Maruševec – Castle History and Wine

If you are looking for a hotel in Maruševec, its castle history, park and winemaking may influence your choice of destination. The historic castle estate combines several building phases with a winemaking tradition dating back to 1883. The estate is privately managed; you should check directly with the estate about visits and the winery’s current offerings.

Castle History in Several Building Phases

Maruševec Castle has been associated with the Vragović family since the 14th century. The stone masonry building was constructed in the 16th century and extended in the 17th century. In the 19th century, Count Schlippenbach had the castle restored and a large tower added, giving it its present appearance. The family connection, stone construction, extension and later alterations thus mark different historical stages. In the wider Općina Maruševec, the castle was also protected by a moat.

The Castle Estate’s Park and Winemaking

The castle estate includes a park with rare tree specimens. Historically, it had a lake and a fountain; only part of the former English-style park remains today. The park’s rare trees thus stand alongside a history of landscape changes: the lake and fountain belonged to the former grounds, and only part of the English-style park survives.

The estate’s winery is an active private business. The winemaking tradition dates back to 1883. Production takes place on five hectares of marl and limestone soil; dry white wines and rosé wines are produced. For wine enthusiasts, the focus is therefore not only on the long tradition, but also on the soil composition and the styles of wine. Products and visiting arrangements may change; check directly in advance about planned visits and current offerings.

Private Use and Events

The historic castle and its grounds are used for weddings and special events. If you are considering holding an event, confirm the arrangements directly with the private organizer in advance.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Općina Maruševec

The territory of Općina Maruševec lies mostly on the gentle foothills of Maceljska gora and Ravna gora. The parish church of St. George in Maruševec is part of the municipality’s religious heritage. Its façade has been restored, and the church is preserved as a valuable religious monument. Inside are a family crypt belonging to the Vragović family and a tombstone of Paulus Patačić.

The chapels also offer different historical points of reference. The Chapel of St. Roch in Druškovec has existed since 1646 and is considered an important sanctuary for the people of this area. Construction of the Chapel of the Holy Trinity in Jurketinec took almost seventy years. The comparison shows two different time spans: a specific founding year for the Chapel of St. Roch and a long construction process in Jurketinec.

The Feast of St. George on 23 April is part of the region’s customs. Traditionally, a young man dressed in green birch branches represented Zeleni Jura. At the 2025 Jura Zeleni procession, the decorated Jura Zeleni led participants through Čalinec, Kapelec and Biljevec after a blessing at the Church of St. George. The procession ended at the cultural center in Čalinec with the symbolic burning of Jure Zeleni as part of the Jurjevo bonfire tradition. According to tradition, the custom was meant to protect against evil, impure forces and disease. The route and proceedings may change at future events.

Discover more destinations: Koretinec.

Return to the wider travel overview: Općina Maruševec.