Vodriz Castle, Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia

Vodriž Castle was built in the early 14th century. It is situated on a picturesque ridge and its ruins have been preserved to the present day. It is interesting as an example of a castle whose possession was shared by several heirs or knights. A written document from 1338 records that it was divided among the Hebenstreit brothers.

The entrance into the castle was across a completely filled moat, which was well protected. On the northern side of the castle was guardhouse, on the left were buildings for servants. In the large square inner tower was a tight castle courtyard, to the left was two-story residential tower Palas, which means the main residential house. On the northern side on the left are the remains of the castle chapel. In residential buildings were wooden ceilings. Ground floor was used for a wine cellar, on upper floors were the lord’s rooms. Not far away from the castle was a cemetery, slightly lower along the path a castle pond, where the gallows stood. In the year 1766, the castle was burnt down, because the fat got lit while the cooks baked the donuts.

Jan Hus Memorial

The Jan Hus Memorial stands at one end of Old Town Square. The huge monument depicts victorious Hussite warriors and Protestants who were forced into exile 200 years after Hus, and a young mother who symbolises national rebirth. The monument was so large that the sculptor designed and built his own villa and studio where the work could be carried out. It was unveiled in 1915 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Jan Hus' martyrdom. The memorial was designed by Ladislav Šaloun and paid for solely by public donations.

Born in 1369, Hus became an influential religious thinker, philosopher, and reformer in Prague. He was a key predecessor to the Protestant movement of the sixteenth century. In his works he criticized religious moral decay of the Catholic Church. Accordingly, the Czech patriot Hus believed that mass should be given in the vernacular, or local language, rather than in Latin. He was inspired by the teachings of John Wycliffe.

Aljaž Alyaaz (13 months ago)
A very beautiful and huge castle. It's a shame that we no longer invest in our history and restore things so they don't fall into disrepair. This is our history.

Blaž Lasnik (18 months ago)
Underrated castle ruins. A nice hike to the top where the castle stands and not crowded

Janez Jurhar (3 years ago)
A wonderful cycling trip

Tim Novak (4 years ago)
A nice easy dog walk to the castle.

Vid Pogačnik (5 years ago)
Impressive castle ruins.

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