Leskovec Castle

Leskovec Castle or Turn Castle is a 15th-century castle north of the village of Leskovec pri Krškem. It has been redesigned in the 16th and the 18th centuries. Two manors on the site are first mentioned in 1436, held by Baron Johann Dürrer concurrently with the Counts of Celje, and later sold to the latter. The formidable castle was taken and looted by peasant rebels in 1515. The Counts of Celje were followed by several other owners, including Baron Janez Valvasor in 1581, the Counts of Mosconi, the house of Auersperg from 1653 to 1903, Baron Gagern, and a Dr. Trenz.

Leskovec Castle is a typical example of centrally-based defensive architecture with corner towers and a rectangular, arcaded inner courtyard in the middle. The current structure dates from the second quarter of the 16th century, and was substantially complete by the mid-16th century. The four residential wings enclose the most significant architectural feature of the building, a beautiful arcaded courtyard. Above the main gate to the castle there is a relief of the coat of arms of the house of Auersperg-Falkenhayn; the courtyard wall displays the arms of the noble family Khysl. The 17th century renaissance-style castle park contains a monument erected in memory of Alfonz Paulin (1853-1942), a famous Slovene botanist and son of the castle warder.

Leskovec Castle and the surrounding grounds were declared a cultural monument of national importance by the government of Slovenia in 1999.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Leskovec pri Krškem, Slovenia

Details

Founded: 15th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in Slovenia