Special Property: Rihemberk Castle
Rihemberk Castle
Rihemberk Castle
The Ministry of Culture is seeking a developer or a funder with the ability to take over running of the Rihemberk Castle as leasehold or freehold. The castle is located near Nova Gorica close to the border that once separated Slovenia from Italy even though the people on either side of the border have always shared common interests refusing to let the border sever the cross-border flows. For the castle to become a fully-operational tourist attraction, the investor will have to complete the building work and equip the castle to open its doors to the public.
Executive summary
Believed to have been occupied by a Roman stronghold, the Rihemberk Castle was built probably in the early years of the 12th century on a hill overlooking the valley with its important transport and trade routes and its settlements. The castle was first in the hands of the Reifenberg (Rihemberg) family, then in 1371 the Counts of Gorizia took possession of the castle until 1500 when the Habsburgs took it over. A terraced courtyard above the palace was set up as a platform with a cistern. Larger reconstructions with romantic elements of battlements were added in the 19th century. After the end of World War II the castle was mined and burnt down for no real reason and all furniture and fittings were destroyed.
The characteristics of a Mediterranean fort with a fortified nucleus and a dominant tower are well seen even today thanks to ongoing renovation works. In 1957 the restoration of the outer walls was completed and in 1986 the palatial building was rebuilt and reconstructed. The castle grounds have an area of 3634 m2.
Intended function
The function of the renovated castle will be discussed with the qualified investors. However, the castle or a part of the castle should remain open to the public.
Total cost/budget
Renovation castle has been estimated 4 million euros.
Advantages
The position of the castle was strategically important centuries ago and it is equally important to the modern investor seeking the winning combination of proximity to transport infrastructure and the seclusion of a retreat so precious to the modern man. A host of historical and natural sights within an easy reach from the Rihemberk Castle and a long tourist tradition of the area highly popular with Italians and still undiscovered by Austrians is a guarantee of success. There is room for maneuver for the new owner(s) to convert the building to its new function even in the parts that have already been renovated.
Contact point:
Ministry of Culture
Maistrova 10
1000 Ljubljana
Phone: +386 (0)1 369 59 00
Fax: +386 (0)1 369 59 01
E-mail: gp.mk[@]gov.si