HERITAGE SITE: SOTESKA MANOR, DEVIL`S TOWER 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 polymath Janez Vajkar Valvasor (Johann Weikhard Freiherr von Valvasor), who also nicknamed it Carniolan Versailles. Today, the locals simply call it Soteska Castle (Grad Soteska). Sadly, the manor was 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 the information board.

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 garden pavilion was built, which was later given an ominous name by the locals - the Devil`s Tower (Hudičev turn). 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 renovated and opened to the public only a short time ago. Now the visitors can enjoy the partially restored colorful frescos originally created by the working circle of master painter, signed as Almanac, who with his students painted numerous castles in Carniola during the second half of the 17th century. The inside of the stone pavilion is richly painted with baroque iconography of hunting, forest, stone wells and portals, on top of which rest creatures from ancient mythology. The ceiling depicts the abduction of Ganymede by Zeus. The true identity of the painter has been shrouded in mystery for a long time. It was only in 2021 that it was possible, on the basis of archival sources, to connect the painter's identity to Joannes Almenak, who was born in 1640-45 or shortly before, probably in Antwerp. Almanac also painted the ceiling of the County of Celje, the castle of Iški turn, Bokalce, and the ceiling of the Franciscan dining hall in Ljubljana.

Oldtimer museum, which is under management of Technical Museum of Slovenia, is located in the former stable building in the near vicinity of the mansion 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 by prior appointment only in the off-season.