BORL CASTLE TODAY 

Today, Borl Castle is owned by the state and has the status of a cultural monument of national significance. In 2020, renovation started on approximately one-third of the castle, and the site reopened to the public in 2024. Members of the Society for the Revival of Borl Castle were passionately dedicated to the renovation and reopening of the castle. Today, visitors to the castle are welcomed by a pleasant café, and, in addition to exploring its rich history, they can also view the exhibition zDravo, which highlights the importance of biodiversity of the Drava’s riverbanks, which are protected as part of the Natura 2000 network.

ANKENSTEIN OR BORLYN IN THE PAST, BORL TODAY

The outline of Borl Castle can be seen from afar, which is why it is aptly known as the gateway to Haloze. It has stood majestically on a steep rock overlooking the River Drava since the 12th century. Due to its position, it protected a strategically important crossing over the River Drava, which is also reflected in its historical names – Hungarian Borlyn and German Ankenstein.
 

CASTLE OWNERS THROUGH HISTORY
The Sauer family was one of the castle’s most important owners. In the 17th century, they converted the castle into a comfortable residence and furnished it lavishly, giving it its current baroque look. It remained in their possession until 1801, after which it was acquired by the Wurmbrand-Stuppach family, which thoroughly renovated and elegantly furnished the castle in the mid-19th century. Between 1901 and 1922, the castle was owned by Max Kübeck and his wife Adalberta Kübeck, née Wurmbrand-Stuppach. They made the castle their home, but sold it to the Borlin joint-stock company due to the changed political situation following World War I.
 

BORL CASTLE RESORT
For almost thirty years, from 1952 to 1979, the Borl Castle operated as a popular resort. In its heyday, it had 1,200 seats and 120 beds, and on weekends, guests could enjoy a wide selection of food and live music. In a single weekend, they would sell up to 1,000 liters of the local wine and serve 700 kilograms of meat. A swimming pool opened in 1962, attracting up to 500 visitors a day in nice weather.
 

DECLINE IN THE LATE 20ᵀᴴ CENTURY
The resort closed in the late 1970s, after which the castle slowly began to fall into disrepair. The main reasons for the closure were the construction of a new road to Zagreb, the destruction of the bridge over the River Drava, the urgent need for renovations, and, most importantly, the opening of a new hotel and thermal resort in Ptuj.
 

The castle boasts a spacious outer courtyard, an arcaded inner courtyard, and an outdoor terrace that offers magnificent views of the ancient town of Ptuj. The castle’s 17th-century Chapel of the Holy Trinity, with its opulent furnishings, is a real gem. The main altar once featured a depiction of Count and Countess Sauer holding an image of the castle. Unfortunately, this work of art was stolen at the end of the 20th century and remains missing to this day. Beneath the castle complex lies an interesting two-story wine cellar in the shape of the letter Z.

• The river is flowing water, 
• River the designer, 
• When the river flow slows down,
• The river overflows its banks, 
• The river beneath our feet. 

Cultural heritage enriches our environment and preserves the memory of our ancestors’ lives. Traditional buildings such as vinedresser’s and vineyard cottages, and stone-vaulted wine cellars still dot the Haloze countryside.
 

CIRKULANE HERITAGE PARK
The open-air ethnological museum provides a glimpse into our ancestors’ traditional way of life and work. Visitors can explore a traditional Haloze house (cimprača) from the early 19th century, a sty, a shed with a barn, an apiary, trellises, and a fragrant herb garden.

PARISH CHURCH OF ST. BARBARA
The Church of St. Barbara has been the seat of the parish since 1784. It was founded by Count Georg Friedrich Sauer after a devastating plague in the early 17th century. The church boasts a magnificent baroque bell tower which, at 52 meters tall, is one of the tallest in Slovenia. The 1819 fresco under the choir loft depicting Cirkulane is of particular significance.
 

ST. ANNE’S CHURCH, VELIKI VRH
The Church of St. Anne in Veliki Vrh was built in the 17th century on the initiative of the Counts of Sauer, who owned the Borl Castle at the time. Its location offers a stunning view of the surrounding area. According to folk tradition, prospective parents must circle the church twice on their knees if they want twins. There is a beautiful teaching vineyard next to the church.
 

LOVE BENCH BY ST. ANNE’S CHURCH

Next to St. Anne’s Church, you will find a bench with a carved heart, which is part of the nationwide Love Benches project. The bench offers stunning views of the Haloze vineyards, the medieval town of Ptuj, the River Drava and the Slovenske Gorice hills. These breathtaking views help to create unforgettable memories. To reach Veliki Vrh from Borl Castle, follow the path lined with the restored Stations of the Cross, which winds through the woods to your destination. The church was built in the 17th century by the Sauer family, who owned the Borl Castle at that time.

Location: Municipality of Cirkulane – Church of St. Anne in Veliki Vrh
Trail difficulty: easy
Altitude: 304 m

Did you know?
Each Love Bench carries a QR code. Scan it to create your own personalized interactive album, where you can record all the benches you visit and discover new ones.
 

DR. VLADIMIR BRAČIČ MEMORIAL ROOM
Dr. Vladimir Bracic, a distinguished educator, geographer, politician, and the first rector of the University of Maribor, was born in Cirkulane on 27 September 1919. His research work focused on social geography, with particular attention paid to Haloze and Cirkulane. A memorial room has been set up in the Rajher house, his birthplace, in the village center.

 

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