SOTESKA MANOR, DEVIL`S TOWER AND OLDTIMER MUSEUM
When visiting this heritage site, do not miss the ruins of Soteska Manor, Devil’s Tower pavilion and Oldtimer Museum.
Soteska Manor was built on the left bank of Krka river towards the end of the 17th century and at the time was known as one of the most beautiful in the whole of historical region and former Duchy of Carniola. Due to its artistic stuccos, frescos and other rich baroque ornaments and furnishings it had been declared as such by celebrated Carniolan polymath Janez Vajkar Valvasor (Johann Weikhard Freiherr von Valvasor), who also named it Slovenian Versailles. Today, the locals simply call it Soteska Castle. Sadly, the manor burnt to the ground during Second World War, which was strongly lamented by many cultured individuals of the time. In the year 2023 the construction works started on the main entrance to make sure the ruins are safe for visitors to look at and hopefully create an interesting historical multipurpose venue for cultural and other events. Close to the mansion ruins, by the nearby regional road, there is a parking area with information boards.
In the final stages of the original construction a baroque park complex was designed near the mansion. At the end of the park a stone pavilion was built, which was later given an ominous name by the locals - the devil`s tower. Numerous different legends have sprung about this name, namely that the godfearing villagers considered the wild parties being held there by their lord to be indecent. Due to local engagement and various investments the after world war II neglected historical pavilion has been partially restored and opened to the public only a short time ago. Now the visitors can enjoy the colorful frescos created by the working circle of famous Dutch painter Almanach, who with his students painted numerous castles in Carniola during the second half of the 17th century, as well as cultural and other private intimate events, such as weddings.
Oldtimer Museum is located in the former farm building near the ruins, which now holds an exhibition of oldtimer vehicles and farming (as well as some other) equipment collected by Technical Museum of Slovenia. The diverse collection is open for viewing on Saturdays and Sundays during the season and by prior appointment only in the off-season.