PIŠECE CASTLE
Tucked away among the wooded slopes of the Orlica Hills above the valley, Pišece Castle, one of the most beautiful castles in the Posavje region, has stood watch for centuries. Its heritage tells stories of knights, noble families, the defence of the land, and a rich cultural legacy that continues to captivate visitors today.
After almost two decades of restoration led by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, the castle is open to the public. It is managed by Posavje Museum Brežice with the support of the Municipality of Brežice.
Opening ceremony: 12 September 2026 at 15:00
Location
Pišece 1
8255 Pišece, Slovenia
Directions
Contact
vodnik@pmb.si
+386 31 737 708
Opening hours
- Thursday to Sunday: 10:00-16:00
Tours can also be arranged at other times and on other days if booked at least 48 hours in advance.
The story of the castle
From the second half of the 13th century, Pišece Castle was one of the seigniories owned by the Archdiocese of Salzburg and its first known residents were the Knights of Pišece. This period is associated with the story of the Lady of Pišece, the widow of Conrad I, who played an important role in the castle history. At the height of their power in the 14th century, the Pišece family extended their influence to the vast territories stretching from Carinthia to Vipava and from Postojna to Istria.
The castle bore witness to numerous historical events, including the Croatian-Slovene Peasant Revolt of 1573, when it provided shelter to Ilija Gregorič and his peasant army.
In 1595, the estate was purchased by Innozenz Moscon, and the baronial family remained in residence until 1938. The castle was transformed from a Romanesque fortification with a chapel into a multi-storey residence. Its architectural character is still defined by the imposing Romanesque keep with its 19th-century clock tower, the highest point of the castle and a reminder of its medieval defensive role.
After the Second World War, the castle was nationalised and converted into housing, with residents living there until 1998. In 1999 it was declared a cultural monument of national significance owned by the Republic of Slovenia, and extensive restoration began in 2005.
The castle park
The castle grounds offer a special experience of their own. An English landscape garden, with its pond, walking paths and Slovenia's tallest sequoia, creates a unique connection between nature and history.
Events and venue hire
The open doors offer a glimpse into the lives of the Knights of Pišece and the Moscon family, as well as the opportunity to host events in the castle rooms and in the scenic courtyard. Admission prices, guided tours and venue hire are listed on a separate page.
Admission and venue hire
Milestones
Eight centuries of Pišece Castle at a glance - from the Romanesque keep in the 13th century to the reopening in 2026.
Milestones of the castle
Acknowledgements
For many years, members of the Pišece Castle Society worked to keep the castle in good condition. We extend our sincere thanks for their exceptional work and commitment to our shared heritage. The successful reopening was also made possible in large part by local residents, united through the Pišece Civil Parish and numerous societies.
The operation of Pišece Castle, managed by Posavje Museum Brežice, is supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia and the Municipality of Brežice.
