Clan Rising
Otočec Castle today

Slovenia · Restored

Otočec Castle

Grad Otočec

Otočec Castle stands on a small island in the Krka River in Slovenia and is reached from the riverbank by a short bridge. The ensemble combines a rectangular, multi-storey white-plastered main block with several round stone towers capped by conical red-tiled roofs. The island is landscaped with trees and grassy banks and the castle’s façades and towers are reflected in the river.

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Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

Its prime

1600

Today

Restored

As it stood in 1600

What Otočec Castle looked like in its prime.

A compact island castle with a broad, rectangular three-storey white-plastered main block and a steep red-tile hipped roof, flanked on the right by two circular stone towers with conical red roofs and smaller round annex towers. Low stone base walls meet the river edge; rows of regularly spaced rectangular windows puncture the plastered façades. A timber-covered boathouse/jetty and short stone bridge link the island to the right-hand bank. The whole group sits amid riverside trees and lawns, reflecting in calm blue-green water.

Its story

The story of Otočec Castle.

Otočec Castle stands on a small island in the middle of the Krka River, the only water castle in Slovenia, reached by a short bridge from the riverbank. Its name means 'small island': the town was renamed Otočec from the religious Sveti Peter by the communist government in 1952, and the castle itself was renamed from its former German name, Werth.

The castle was once owned by Ivan Lenković, leader of the Uskoks and chief commander of the Croatia-Slavonia March on the southern borderland of the Habsburg monarchy; before the Second World War it belonged to the House of Marghieri de Commadona. Today its white-plastered main block and conical-roofed round towers operate as a castle hotel, a member of Relais & Châteaux that Bradt Travel Guides calls "one of the most famous hotels in Slovenia".

Step inside

5 places to explore in 1600.

The record describes 5 distinct spots at Otočec Castle, including the full exterior approach. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more rooms, more angles, and more of the place to stand in.

South riverbank approach (exterior)Exterior of the east round towersTimbered boathouse and jetty (exterior)West façade facing the waterIsland perimeter path and bank (exterior)

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Whose castle

Clans who held Otočec Castle.

The families that held Otočec Castle for a decade or more across its history, follow a name to its clan.

  • Lenković

    Once owned by Ivan Lenković, leader of the Uskoks and chief commander of the Croatia-Slavonia March.

  • Marghieri de Commadona

    Held by the House of Marghieri de Commadona before the Second World War.

Questions about Otočec Castle

What is the history of Otočec Castle?

Otočec Castle was first mentioned in the 13th century, with its walls said to date to 1252. It was once held by Ivan Lenković and later by the House of Marghieri de Commadona. During the Second World War, Italian forces seized it as a fortress; in 1942, Partisans burnt it, leaving only the ruins of the two bridges. Restoration began in 1952 and continued for six years.

What is inside Otočec Castle?

Inside Otočec Castle are 10 double rooms, six apartments and a castle restaurant. The building is arranged as a luxury hotel and was renovated in the spirit of Gothic and Renaissance architecture in 2009.

Where is Otočec Castle?

Otočec Castle is on a small island in the middle of the Krka River, near Novo Mesto. It lies within the City Municipality of Novo Mesto and is reached from the riverbank by a short bridge.

When was Otočec Castle built?

Otočec Castle belongs to the 13th century in the surviving record, with its walls said to date to 1252. The exact year it was first raised is not recorded.

Was Otočec Castle ever attacked or besieged?

Otočec Castle was seized by Italian forces at the beginning of the Second World War and used as a fortress. In 1942, Partisans burnt the castle, leaving only the ruins of the two bridges.

Which family or clan held Otočec Castle?

The Lenković family held Otočec Castle through Ivan Lenković, leader of the Uskoks and chief commander of the Croatia-Slavonia March. The House of Marghieri de Commadona held it before the Second World War.

What did Otočec Castle look like in its prime?

Otočec Castle is a compact island castle with a broad, rectangular three-storey white-plastered main block and a steep red-tile hipped roof. Two circular stone towers with conical red roofs flank the right side, while smaller round annex towers and low stone base walls meet the river edge. A short stone bridge links it to the bank.

Is Otočec Castle still standing or is it a ruin?

Otočec Castle is still standing and has been restored. It was burnt in 1942, leaving only the ruins of the two bridges, but restoration began in 1952 with the roof and continued for six years. Later work restored its Gothic and Renaissance appearance.

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