Muretinci Castle

The settlement of Muretinci is first mentioned in 1322 as Meretincen. A manor likely already stood here in the Middle Ages, but it is first recorded only in 1542 during an appraisal of the estate. At that time it was owned by Luka Szekely, the lord of Borlski grad and Ormož Castle. Through an exchange of property in 1652, the estate passed into the hands of the Teutonic Order, which soon built the present castle and managed the property from Velika Nedelja. The castle’s layout has remained unchanged from its construction in the 17th century to the present day. Over the past centuries, Muretinci Castle served the Teutonic Order primarily as an economic and administrative center. In the 19th century, the Order established a large orphanage in the castle, complete with a proper medical clinic. After World War II, the castle housed a retirement home. In 2005, it was returned to the Teutonic Order, and the castle was partially renovated.

Today, the castle premises are leased by members of the Baron Cultural and Artistic Association (KUD Baron), led by Janez Golc, also known as Baron Jakob Breuner Markovski, the 12th Prince of the Ptuj Carnival. They organize medieval educational workshops for primary school pupils and retirees, as well as programs and guided tours of the castle for individual groups. Upon request, they also host birthday parties and other gatherings at the castle. Every year they hold the Baron’s Camp—a medieval camp featuring demonstrations of life in the Middle Ages, crafts, games, and a ceremonial Baron’s Dinner in the style and richness of the medieval period.