History
A castle that stands out from the rest. The earliest reference to it dates as far back as 1252. Originally restored ambience: Gothic and Renaissance design.
The country's only castle completely surrounded by water
Home to the de Werde noblemen in the 13th century, who were also known as the Knights of Otočec, this castle is the only one in Slovenia that sits on a river island. The magnificent castle on the river Krka was for centuries both a stronghold and a gracious home to numerous noble families. Its most prominent inhabitants, apart from the Knights of Otočec, were the Villanders nobles of Tyrol, captain of Žumberak Uskoks Ivan Lenkovič, and the noble Janez Sonce, who is also the central character in a narrative by Ivan Tavčar. Before World War II the castle was owned by the House of Marghieri de Commadona.
A castle in the heart of Dolenjska
Dolenjska is a land of many castles and other monuments that are on the country's list of architectural heritage. Otočec is set in an outstanding location: halfway between the capitals of Slovenia and Croatia, Ljubljana and Zagreb, and only 7 km from Novo Mesto. Otočec is an ideal starting point for excursions to the Pleterje Carthusian Monastery, to Kostanjevica na Krki, widely known as the Venice of Dolenjska, to the Gorjanci Hills and the region of Bela Krajina. Not far from Otočec are Terme Dolenjske Toplice and Terme Šmarješke Toplice, spas with healing thermal water.
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The castle building, together with the park, is an important cultural and natural attraction of Slovenia.
