Geocoins and travel bugs are welcome!
Lendava is a picturesque town and in the region of Prekmurje. It has 11 000 inhabitants, about 50% of them are Slovene, and about 40% are Hungarian, making it the center of the Hungarian minority in Slovenia.
Above the town, on the top of a small hill stands the castle. The castle was first mentioned in written sources in the 12th century as an important bastion of the Mura-valley. Unfortunately, it was completely destroyed during the tartar invasion. In the 13th century the area was given to the prominent Hahót family. Some members of the family served as governors (bán) of Croatia-Dalmatia, so the family changed its name from Hahót to Bánffy (meaning son of the bán) in the 14th century. The Bánffys rebuilt the castle and developed the city, making it an important center of Zala county of the Hungarian Kingdom (where thos area belonged). This flourishing period ended with the Turkish invasion in the 16th century that was devistating to the town, but not so much for the castle. Today's appearance of the castle is mainly from the end of the 17th century when Turks abadoned this area. Then the castle was owned for a short period by the Nádasdy family then given to grand duke Esterházy in 1712. He rebuilt the castle to its current form, making it L shaped, the "L" to honor emperor Leopold. The interesting roof structure was also built at that time.
Nowadays the castle houses the Gallery-Museum of Lendava. The museum collection boasts a permanent archaeological, historical and ethnological exhibition, as well as a memorial room for György Zala, the well-known Lendava born sculptor (1858-1937). Take a look into the rooms with prehistoric findings, see ancient maps, reliques from the battle against the Ottoman invaders, hand vowed textiles with beautiful, intricate patterns, the armory room, an extensive butterfly collection, the art colony's work. Stroll around the building to find the cache and to enjoy Robert Jurak's unique sculptures!
Summer opening hours (April - October)
Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 - 14:00
Holidays: 10:00 - 14:00
Winter opening hours (November - March)
Monday - Friday: 08:00 - 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 14:00
Sunday, Holidays: closed
The cache is accessible anytime!
