Šmarje pri Jelšah - Culture Minister Asta Vrečko signed on Wednesday EUR 3.6 million worth of contracts for the renovation and development of tourism infrastructure of three castles in the wider Kozjansko area in eastern Slovenia.

The Jelšingrad castle in Šmarje pri Jelšah, which dates back to the 15th century and was once considered the most beautiful castle in the province, will receive over EUR 1 million from the state.

The urgently needed works, which will stop the dilapidation of what is a culture heritage-protected building, is expected to take three years and a half.

Another castle to be saved after years of decay is the Podčetrtek castle, which was first mentioned as early as in the 13th century.

The state will provide around EUR 1.6 million and the municipality, which bought it last year, almost EUR 900,000. The works are expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Finally, the third castle, Grad Podsreda, was built in Podsreda in the very east of the country as early as in 12th century.

While it has benefited from extensive renovation in the past 30 years and has been doing well, it will also feature as of October 2025 a renovated Roman chapel, which is expected to cost around EUR 1.6 million.

Vrečko told the press in Šmarje pri Jelšah that all three projects are in municipal ownership and play an important role for the local population.

The ministry hopes to see them teeming with life, as cultural heritage is only preserved if it is being used.