From its walls, a magnificent view unfolds from the highest castle tower in Slovenia. This mighty 13th-century fortress, with its architecture and exceptional location, bears witness to its former strategic importance, and today the renovated castle interiors offer visitors a unique experience of history with a modern twist.

Ormož Castle was first mentioned in 1278. After 1945, it was nationalized, and in 1946, along with the castle park, it was protected and declared a cultural monument. In 1996, it began operating as part of the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum. Following the first phase of renovation, the castle reopened in November 2025. The museum exhibits remain part of the castle’s premises, while management of the castle has been taken over by the Public Institute for Tourism, Culture, and Sports of the Municipality of Ormož. The owner of the castle is the Municipality of Ormož.

Ormož Castle is connected to the Jeruzalem Slovenia destination—a high-quality and sustainable tourist destination in the wine-growing hills, where wine, cuisine, nature, and the local Prlekija story intertwine. Jeruzalem Slovenia combines hospitality, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, complementing a visit to Ormož Castle and the wider Ormož and Prlekija regions.

Ormož Castle is situated in the south-eastern part of a Bronze Age settlement which was protected with an earthen rampart and a defensive ditch. The ditch winds along the castle complex to the east and, at the end of the palace yard, turns towards the former Hungarian gate.

The Lords of Ptuj started building the castle complex in the last third of the 13^th century. It remained their property until 1438 when the family of the Lords of Ptuj died out. The first building phase most probably comprised the south wing; it housed the residence of the castellans of Ptuj, Lords of Ormož.

Later, in order to strengthen the fortification, a mighty tower was built in the northeastern corner of the huge courtyard, which was surrounded by a wall. Events at the end of the 15^th century sped the development of the castle. It was namely destroyed by fire in 1487, and then it passed into the hands of the Szekely family in 1490. They had it rebuilt with the intention of living there. They also had the north and west wings built, as well as the east wing in all liklihood. In 1532 the castle was damaged by the Turks, and when in 1540 it was repaired, it became part of the town fortifications. After the attack of the Kurucs on 12^th February 1704, the castle fell into disrepair. Between 1710 and 1740, it was restored in Baroque style by the Pethe family. At the beginning of the 19^th century, the castle was bought by Jože Pauer, an industrialist, who had it restored in Classical style and added a wall around the south-eastern castle garden. The last owners of the castle were the Counts of Wurmbrandt, whose coat of arms can still be seen above the main castle entrance. 

Poročna dvorana v gradu Ormož

Telefon: 02 741 54 00

E-mail: ue.ormoz@gov.si

·         Climb to the highest castle tower in Slovenia

·         Costumed guided tour with the countess

·         Screening of a historical film from 1935 in the castle cinema or a film about the witch Doroteja (2025)

·         A walk through the castle park and a visit to the tomb of the last noble family

The destination offers an active experience in nature. Marked hiking and biking trails lead visitors along the Drava River and through the wine-growing hills, making it ideal for exploring the countryside on foot or by bike. There are also walks through the Ormož Lagoons, where visitors are captivated by the rich biodiversity. More at: https://www.jeruzalem-slovenija.si/dozivetja

You can enrich your trip with unforgettable experiences in the Jeruzalem Destination—from the peaceful embrace of nature in the Ormož Lagoons and the authentic flavors of the olive oil mill in Središče ob Dravi, to the fascinating stories of the railway museum and the artisanal skills of the potter and beekeeper, and round it all off with a superb selection of wines and culinary delights.

For more information, visit: https://www.jeruzalem-slovenija.si/dozivetja 

For reservations, please email us at: tic@jeruzalem-slovenija.si 

Ormož Castle

Grajski trg 3

SI-2270 Ormož

T +386 (0)51 634 311

E  info@gradormoz.si

W  https://www.ormoz.net/grad-ormoz/ 

Opening Hours

Closed:

November 1

December 25

January 1 and 2

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