Gradac, Slovenia
| Gradac | |
|---|---|
 Gradac
|
|
| Coordinates: 45°36′48.41″N 15°14′37.87″E / 45.6134472°N 15.2438528°ECoordinates: 45°36′48.41″N 15°14′37.87″E / 45.6134472°N 15.2438528°E | |
| Country |
 Slovenia
|
| Traditional region | White Carniola |
| Statistical region | Southeast Slovenia |
| Municipality | Metlika |
| Area | |
| • Total | 5.97 km2 (2.31 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 150 m (490 ft) |
| Population (2002) | |
| • Total | 419 |
Gradac (pronounced [ˈɡɾaːdats]; German: Gradaz) is a village in the Municipality of Metlika in the White Carniola area of southeastern Slovenia, close to the border with Croatia on the Lahinja River. It is now included in the Southeast Slovenia Statistical Region. The village is best known for well-preserved Gradac Castle.
Gradac has a railway station, a post office, bars and cafes, and a small industrial park. Traditionally many craftspeople (stonemasons, locksmiths, wainwrights, wheelwrights, and potters) and farmers lived in the village.
It also has an outdoor sports field for handball, basketball, and soccer. It is located next to the new fire station, which was built in the 1980s. A small airport, mainly for gliders and light aircraft, is located in nearby Prilozje. This airfield was originally built in World War II in order to allow allied aircraft to land to evacuate wounded soldiers and civilians and to deliver other humanitarian aid such as medicine.
Gradac Castle is castle with a moat and located on a curve of the Lahinja River. It has been declared a national cultural heritage landmark of Slovenia. Gradac Castle was first mentioned in written documents in 1228.
The castle island is mostly covered by a large Renaissance park that is neglected and overgrown. It includes a garden, remnants of an alley, and the mausoleum of the last owner (named Gusič), who was a businessman from Zagreb. There are plans to restore the castle and renew the park. The Municipality of Metlika repaired the roof of the castle to prevent further decay at end of the 1990s. However, talks with potential investors from Italy and Ireland have been unsuccessful.
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Wikipedia