Cmurek Castle, Medieval castle in Trate, Slovenia.
Cmurek Castle is a fortress rising on a steep cliff above the Mura River, featuring medieval stone construction with Renaissance arcades and a central courtyard flanked by residential wings. The structure blends architectural elements from different periods due to successive renovations.
The fortress was first documented in 1148 as a holding of the Cmurek noble family. It passed through the Counts of Celje and later the Stubenberg family before ownership changed in 1931.
The Museum of Madness occupies the castle since 2014, presenting exhibitions about the building's past uses and the Mura River's importance to the area. The displays explore how the place served different purposes across centuries.
The site is best reached on foot or by bicycle, as nearby cycling routes bring visitors to the area. Access is straightforward, but visitors should be prepared for the steep terrain surrounding the cliff location.
From 1956 to 2004, the medieval structure served as a mental health institution housing up to 400 patients at its height. This extended use left marks on the building and remains part of local memory.
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