Soteska Manor, Devil’s Tower, and the Museum of Vintage Vehicles
Soteska Manor
Soteska Manor is a Renaissance–Baroque mansion on the Krka River in the village of Soteska, Municipality of Dolenjske Toplice. It was built between 1664 and 1697 on the order of Count Jurij Žiga Gallenberg, on the site of an old tower and a decaying castle. Above the main portal once stood the marble coats of arms of the Gallenberg and Schrottenbach families with the year 1675; today, these can be seen in the Dolenjska Museum in Novo mesto. The polymath Valvasor described the manor as one of the most beautiful in Carniola. The gardens beside Soteska Castle were designed in the Renaissance style and later expanded all the way to the garden pavilion known as the Devil’s Tower. In 1943, the manor was burned down by partisans, and in the post-war years it deteriorated further, with parts of the structure dismantled for building material. Only some elements have been restored, including the roof, outer walls, and the Devil’s Tower pavilion.
In 2025, the manor was partially restored and given new life. Today it stands as an attractive destination for visitors, who can admire the remnants of its former grandeur and its idyllic location by the Krka River – a true experience for lovers of history, architecture, and cultural heritage.
Devil’s Tower
The Devil’s Tower is a picturesque garden pavilion of Soteska Manor and one of the best-preserved parts of the former castle complex. Built in the 17th century as part of the lavish Renaissance gardens, it served as a place of relaxation and social gatherings for the nobility. The pavilion is distinguished by its rich illusionist frescoes, most notably the scene of the Abduction of Ganymede, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque painting in Slovenia. Because of its unusual beauty and mysterious atmosphere, it became known as the “Devil’s Tower.” Today, it stands as an artistic and architectural landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the taste and opulence of aristocratic life.
Today, it is a popular spot for photography as well as a venue for various gatherings, from exhibitions and official events to weddings. The Devil’s Tower is especially enchanting in spring, when the blooming daffodils cover the grounds in a sea of white.
Museum of Vintage Vehicles
The Study Depot of the Technical Museum of Slovenia in Soteska offers a unique insight into a rich collection of vehicles and machines that shaped the development of transport and everyday life. Visitors can explore various horse-drawn vehicles, such as a ladder wagon, an open carriage, light carts, and sledges, as well as part of the museum’s collection of bicycles, motorcycles, and cars (including the Zastava 750 and 850, Citroën GS, and Mercedes 320). Particularly fascinating are the exhibits from other areas of the museum’s work – from woodworking machines to fire pumps and vehicles of the Museum of Post and Telecommunications. As a study depot, the exhibition is constantly expanding and changing, meaning every visit brings something new. The Soteska depot is thus an excellent opportunity for all lovers of technical heritage and curious visitors eager to discover the rich history of mobility up close.
Guided tours are available by prior arrangement at the Tourist Information Center (TIC).
For visiting the heritage site, we recommend a guided tour. The guide will take you back to the time of the noble families and reveal the story of the garden pavilion and Soteska Manor up close.
