Linked by Kinship, Power and Wealth
The oldest preserved castles in Pomurje date from the Middle Ages, but their present appearance largely reflects the reconstructions they underwent between the 16th and 18th centuries - at the same time the mansions were built. The oldest castle in Prekmurje stood in Lendava as early as 1192 under the name Lindva, which was first mentioned in 1278. Until 1644 it was owned by the Hahót-Bánffy family. Second oldest is Grad Castle, first mentioned in 1271 and its origins date back to the first half of the 13th century. It was owned by the Amadé-Gutkeled family. The estate was acquired by the Széchys in 1366 and they owned it until the 17th century. They were followed by the heirs of the Batthyány and Nádasdy families and other owners. Murska Sobota Castle was first mentioned in 1398 under the name Mura Zombotha. Until 1687 it was owned by Széchys, when it was bought by the Szapáry family and owned until 1934. Beltinci Castle is thought to have been built in the 16th century by the Bánffy family of Lendava on the site of an earlier outpost. From the 17th century onwards, it was passed down to various feudal owners until the Zichys.
Gornja Radgona Castle is first mentioned as Rakherspurg in 1269. In the 14th century it belonged to the Stubenbergs, after which it was owned by various owners. It was thoroughly renovated in the 18th century, when it was owned by the Herbersteins.
Negova Castle is first mentioned as Egaw in 1425. After changing several owners it was acquired by the Trautsmannsdorfs in 1542 and remained theirs until the Second World War. The core of the castle building consists of an inner Renaissance castle and an eastern wing with a defence wall, constructed in the 17th century.
Castles and mansions were the administrative seats of feudal estates, defence structures, and the permanent or occasional residences of their feudal owners. Today they embellish the cultural landscape and although little is left of the original furnishings, they offer insight into the way of living of the nobility.
Read more about the history of the Murska Sobota, Grad and Tabor castles: link
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