Grad Slovenska Bistrica

About the museum

The castle first appears in historical sources in 1227 as a court and seat of the then Pohorje county; later it served as the Bistrica office and as the regional court. In 1313 it is explicitly mentioned for the first time as a Burg (castle), but the original building burned down in 1384. Among its administrators were the Counts of Celje. In 1587 the castle passed from princely to private ownership of the Vetter family, who extensively built and renovated it between 1590 and 1623 and again in 1651, giving it roughly its present size and shape. After 1681 the Counts of Wildenstein laid out a park in the French style beside it.

The most important owners were the Counts of Attems. Ignaz Maria Attems bought the castle in 1717 and by 1721 had it converted into a lavish Baroque residence. The renovation was completed with the wall paintings of the court painter Franz Ignaz Flurer in the castle chapel, on the representative staircase and in the Knights’ Hall. After 1945 the castle was nationalised, its rich interior furnishings were removed, the premises were first occupied by the army, and later it was converted into a residential building and fell into disrepair. A comprehensive restoration began in 1985 and continues today.

Today the castle is a cultural centre and the main exhibition venue of the town; its collections present the heritage of the area between Pohorje and Haloze.

Highlights

• Knights’ Hall with frescoes by Franz Ignaz Flurer (Apotheosis of Hercules)
• Representative staircase with the second-largest castle fresco decoration
• Castle chapel with frescoes dedicated to Mary
• Galerija Grad and Razstavišče Graslov stolp (exhibition space in the Graslov Tower)
• Museum collections on the heritage between Pohorje and Haloze

Operated by

Zavod za kulturo Slovenska Bistrica

Admission & discounts

Free admission for holders of valid museum cards (SMD, ICOM–ICOMOS), SUZD, students and members of some professional organisations (art history, ALUO, art education, restorers), pre-school children, journalists, people with disabilities and their companions, and unemployed persons. The price list has been valid since 1 May 2021; prices include VAT. Tickets can be bought online on the institution’s website.

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Kids’ birthday parties

For children and schools they offer Pohorje experiences, creative workshops and an animation programme; a birthday party with the castle nanny Nana is also possible.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The institution offers weddings and wedding photography in the castle, as well as rooms for events.

Plan your visit