Slovenska Bistrica Castle

The predecessor of the current Slovenska Bistrica castle is first mentioned in 1265, when emperor Rudolf gave it and the adjoining town in fief to count (from 1286 duke of Carinthia) Meinhard of Gorizia.

In 1313, it passed to the Habsburgs, who leased the castle and town to the House of Walsee, an old Austrian noble family.

During the Attems tenure, the castle was the home of the painter and historian Countess Maria von Attems-Petzenstein (born 1893).

Rebuilt into a renaissance mansion in the 17th century, the foundations of the current building adjoin one of the defensive towers of its fortified predecessor.

The Attems decorated the interior in the early 18th century; the castle features a painted staircase, a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and a richly appointed great hall.