Western Slovenske Gorice and its attractions

The center of the Western Slovenske Gorice hills is Lenart. The settlement, which lies on a low terrace above the Pesnica Valley, began to develop in the 15th century and was subordinated to the lords of Hrastovec Castle. The 15th century church houses the vault of the Herbenstein family from Hrastovec.

The Hrastovec Castle lies west of Lenart in Pesniška dolina and is visible from the Maribor – Lenart road. Because the Pesnica River once regularly flooded the valley, a series of dams have been constructed to regulate the water level. This led to the formation of several larger lakes in this part of the valley.

The Hrastovec Castle is known for its numerous witch trials, the majority of which took place in the 17th century. Today the castle houses an Institute for mentally handicapped and psychiatric patients. Unfortunately, this is not a exceptional case. Other castles throughout Slovenia are also being used for similar unsuitable purposes.

Not far from Lenart along the road leading towards Ormož is Gradiško jezero (Gradišče Lake), situated on the edge of the Pesnica Valley. On a terrace rising above it stands the second market in Slovenske gorice, Gradišče. Its baroque church with three towers dates from the 17th century. The settlement was named Sveta Trojica (Holy Trinity) after its church. It was granted market rights in 1872.

A main road runs from Lenart to the northwest among low hills to the Ščavnica River valley and further on towards Gornja Radgona. Another road leads towards the Austrian border on the Mura River near Cmurek.

Jupi, we made it. So if you want to visit Slovenia. Check our site to find the best sight seeings. For example the capital Ljubljana, Bled Lake and Bled Castle, Bohinj Lake, Kranjska Gora, Postojna Cave and do not forget the Cost with Portoroz, Piran, Izola, Koper and many more.

From Western Slovenske Gorice back to the Drava Rregion