Trubarjev drevored runs through Mestni park from the Evangelical Church to the castle. It offers a fitting starting point for exploring Murska Sobota, with a striking contrast: historic parkland on one side, architectural history and public art on the other.
Park Art and Castle History
Mestni park is a 9.5-hectare historic park with mature trees, lawns inspired by English landscape gardens and a small artificial lake. The park is also home to 19 stone lithopunctures by sculptor Marko Pogačnik. The works add a distinctive note to the green surroundings, while Trubarjev drevored provides a clear link between the Evangelical Church and the castle.
Murska Sobota Castle and its park form an important centre of the city’s cultural and social life. The castle’s present appearance dates from the first half of the 18th century: at that time, arcades were added to the courtyard wings, the façades were redesigned and both portals were shaped. Those interested in architecture can connect individual building features with a longer history here, rather than seeing the castle merely as a backdrop.
Architecture from Different Centuries
St Nicholas Cathedral was first mentioned in written records in 1297 and has a Late Romanesque core dating from the end of the 13th century. Its 60-metre-high bell tower adds a prominent feature to this early architectural core. The date of its first mention and the date of its architectural origins describe different things: one refers to the written record, the other to the surviving building’s origins.
Another example is the house at 41 Slovenska ulica. Built in 1907 to plans by Ladislav Takač, it is considered the finest Art Nouveau building in Pomurje. Together with the cathedral and the castle, it shows how different periods can be read in individual buildings.
Gallery and Regional History
The Murska Sobota Gallery organises exhibitions by contemporary Slovenian artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. The exhibition programme changes over time. The gallery also offers numerous guided tours and lectures to accompany the exhibitions. Its permanent collection includes paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and artistic photographs. Visitors can therefore experience both changing exhibitions and a collection featuring a range of art forms.
At the Regional Museum Murska Sobota, a permanent exhibition tells the story of people’s lives along the Mura, from settlement to the present day. The museum is also home to Kološe’s Cabinet of Artistic Photography, which houses the estate of photographer Jože Kološe-Kološa. The two areas offer different ways of exploring regional history: an exhibition spanning a broad period and a cabinet devoted to the photographic estate of a single artist.
EXPANO turns its attention to Pomurje: the interactive, technology-based exhibition presents the region’s tourism, nature, traditional crafts and cultural heritage. It also features a GigaPan display of Pomurje’s attractions.
Rakičan Manor and Paths Through the Park
Rakičan Manor was first mentioned in 1431 as a fortified complex and was later converted into a rural manor house in the Baroque style. It is surrounded by a well-preserved English landscape park. A nature trail through the park ends at a chapel and crypt built in 1880. The sequence from fortified complex to later conversion, followed by the historic buildings at the end of the trail, gives this place a distinctive architectural focus.
Water Activities and Practical Information
At Soboško jezero, visitors can hire a boat or kayak, try stand-up paddleboarding or go water surfing. The options range from taking a boat out on the water to activities on a board. Check the availability of activities before your trip.
A park-and-ride system is available in Murska Sobota. You can leave your car in the municipal car park by Rakičan General Hospital or in the car park at EXPANO Adventure Park. From there, you can continue by regional bus, bicycle, e-scooter or on foot. Soboški biciklin is a bike-sharing system that has also expanded from Murska Sobota into the surrounding rural area. As transport options and their reach may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before travelling.
Autumn Markets and Street Food
Traditional traders’ and craft markets in autumn include TREJZINO SENJE in October and MIKLOŠEVO SENJE in November. Exact event dates vary from year to year; check the dates for your travel period. The Sočna Vilica festival is dedicated to street food and features dishes, local wines, beer and other drinks. Dates and participating vendors also vary from year to year. These are distinct seasonal events: traditional autumn markets and a festival focused on food and drink.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Moravske-Toplice, Rogašovci, Murska Sobota, Puconci, Gornji Petrovci, Martjanci, Grad, Beltinci, Hodoš, Melinci, Šalovci, Križevci.
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