Betnava Mansion, Maribor, Slovenia

Betnava estate was first mentioned in 1319, under the name Wintenaw. By the 16th century, it had grown into a fortified and moated renaissance manor.

It passed through the hands of numerous owners, including the noble families of Herberstein, Khiessl, Auersperg, Ursini-Rosenberg, Szekely, Brandis in von der Dur. During their tenure, the counts Herberstein transformed it into a Protestant way-station, complete with chapel and cemetery. In 1863, Betnava became the summer residence of the bishops of Maribor and Lavant, having already been leased by the see for several decades.

In 1784, the mansion was rebuilt in late-baroque Florentine style, after the fashion of Vienna at the time. The west wing contains a chapel dedicated to the Holy Cross, while other notable features include a carved staircase leading to the main hall, itself decorated with late-baroque trompe l'oeil ceiling frescoes painted by an unknown artist c. 1780.

The main facade faces a 19th-century English country park.

The mansion's current owner is the archbishpric of Maribor, which was in 2011 cited by the Agency for the Protection of Cultural Heritage for failure to properly maintain the site and safeguard structures uncovered in an archeological dig.

References:

Wikipedia

Palaces, manors and town halls in Slovenia

User Reviews

Ieva (3 years ago)
It was nice place, but now it is abandoned:((

Katja Leitgeb (3 years ago)
Betnava castle is a place with enormous potential. On a beautiful summer evening the property will look hauntingly beautiful, however, it is really hard not to notice the neglect of the place. The property deserves better. This property deserves a chance. Hopefully, we will see some positive change in the future. Until then, it is worth a visit but don't expect to get inside or that the park next to the mansion will be well-maintained.

Matej (4 years ago)
Nice bee grocery shop nerby with very friendly owner. Recommended

Boštjan Prelc (5 years ago)
Wonderful castle, sadly it's abandoned and turning into ruins

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