Podsreda offers two perspectives on the place: Podsreda Castle, one of the few Romanesque cultural monuments in Slovenia, and the medieval market settlement with its traditional plot layout. The castle lies within the protected area of Kozjansko Regional Park; the settlement itself is designated a settlement monument. For planning purposes, it is helpful to distinguish between them: visiting the castle, exploring the history of the settlement and following routes to other cultural destinations each offer a different focus.

Castle and Market Settlement

You can visit Podsreda Castle independently or with a knowledgeable guide. Exploring on your own offers a different kind of visit from joining a guided tour. In the market settlement, the focus is on the traditional plot layout and, by extension, the structure of the place. The historic pillory still stands in Podsreda. It offers a tangible link to the settlement’s history, while the plot layout directs attention to the structure of the settlement. In this way, a single historic object and the traditional layout of the market town sit side by side.

Routes to the Castle and Stare gore

The Castle Trail connects the market settlement of Podsreda with Podsreda Castle. For the most part, it follows a well-maintained forest path; information boards and interactive stations accompany the route. The market settlement is also a starting point for hikes to the castle and to Stare svete gore. Another route is a Stations of the Cross trail from Podsreda to the Gothic Church of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows at Stare gore. The present-day church dates from the early 15th century. From Stare gore, you can enjoy views of the market settlement of Podsreda and Podsreda Castle.

The routes therefore lead to different destinations: the Castle Trail connects the market settlement and the castle, with information boards and interactive stations along the way; the Stations of the Cross trail leads to the Gothic church. Stare gore combines the church as a destination with views of the market settlement and the castle. You can choose based on whether you prefer a castle, a church or a view, without conflating the similar-sounding names.

Apple Festival in October

The Kozjansko Apple Festival takes place every year on the second weekend of October in the market settlement of Podsreda. An exhibition of old apple varieties is held every year as part of the festival. For visitors who want to plan their visit around this recurring event, the weekend is the key date. Check the dates for the relevant year before planning your trip around it.

Music Summer at Podsreda Castle

The Music Summer at Podsreda Castle offers music seminars led by internationally renowned musicians. The seminars are intended for beginners, students at lower and upper music-school levels, and university students. This is a specific offering for several levels of study, so when choosing, consider not only the musical subject but also whether the seminar group matches your level of training.

Discover more destinations: Roginska Gorca, Rogaška Slatina, Šmarje Pri Jelšah, Gabrce, Kozje, Bistrica Ob Sotli, Rogatec, Lesično

Go to the main travel overview: Šmarje Pri Jelšah.