Castle Mokrice: Geographic Setting, History, and Ownership Through the Centuries


Geographic Setting and Historical Context
Castle Mokrice stands southeast of the settlement of Čatež ob Savi, positioned on a strategic hill above the right bank of the Sava River. Its elevated location provides natural protection and a commanding view of the surrounding landscape, especially the important river crossing below. The name Mokrice derives from the once marshy, wet terrain in the area, reflected in the etymological link to the Slovene word mokro (“wet”).
Archaeological and cartographic evidence shows that the site was inhabited long before the medieval castle was built. During the Roman Empire, a fort named Romula stood on this very spot. It is documented on the Tabula Peutingeriana, a 4th‑century Roman map. Beneath the fort lay a settlement of the same name, from which numerous excavated artefacts have survived. This confirms that the location played an important role in the Roman defensive and transport network.


Medieval Origins and the First Written Mention
Although the area had been fortified earlier, the castle itself is first mentioned in written sources in 1444. The medieval structure was likely built on the foundations of the Roman fort, a common practice among feudal lords seeking to secure control over key routes and defensible terrain.
A local legend explains the unusual coat of arms of the castle, which features a crow pierced through the neck by an arrow. According to the story, during the Ottoman incursions a crow fell onto the castle courtyard, struck by an enemy arrow. Its fall supposedly warned the lord of the impending danger, and in gratitude he placed the bird in the family crest. The tale reflects the turbulent 15th and 16th centuries, when Ottoman raids deeply affected the region.

Ownership Transitions from the 16th to the 19th Century
The history of Castle Mokrice is marked by frequent changes in ownership, mirroring the political, economic, and familial shifts in the broader region.
The Sebriachi Family (1525–1558)
The first known owners were the Sebriachi, who held the estate for over three decades. The last member of the family, Sigmund, no longer owned the entire property. He shared it with:
• Moric von Rakhniz
• Ferenc Tahy
• Franz Baron Stattenberg
Such fragmented ownership was typical of the period, often resulting from inheritance divisions or financial obligations.
Ambrož von Gregorijanec (1559–1560)
Ambrož von Gregorijanec gradually purchased all shares of the estate, but the property did not remain with his family. For unknown reasons, ownership passed to Ana Marija Marčnik, who in 1637 transferred it to Jošt Jožef Baron Moscon as settlement of a debt.
The Moscon, Erdödy, and Auersperg Families (17th–19th century)
It is unclear whether Jošt Jožef later transferred the estate to his wife Barbara, who may have sold it in 1687 to Nikolaus Count Erdödy, or whether Count Erdödy acquired it directly. In any case, the estate came into the hands of the Erdödy family and, through marriage, likely passed to the Auerspergs, one of the most influential noble families in the region. The Auerspergs remained owners until 1882, when Beatrice Baroness

Ownership in the 20th Century
Before World War I
In 1915, during a period of economic instability and wartime pressure, the estate was sold at a forced auction. Ownership was divided:
• one half was purchased by Alexander Count Economo,
• the other half by Nikolaj and Janez Barons Gagern.
Between the Wars
Count Economo sold his share in 1923 to the Zagreb‑based company Berger. A year earlier, in 1922, the Gagern share was bought by the Belgrade industrialist Miloš Rafajlović, marking the transition of the estate from noble to industrial ownership.
During World War II
During the Second World War, the castle—like many strategically located buildings in the Posavje region—was used by occupying forces for military or administrative purposes. Its size and location made it suitable for accommodation, logistics, or command functions. Wartime use left its mark in the form of requisitions, partial damage, and altered interior spaces.
After World War II
Following the war, the castle was nationalized and placed under the administration of the Yugoslav state. This marked the end of private ownership and the beginning of a new era. In the second half of the 20th century, the castle was renovated and adapted for tourism. It eventually became Hotel Golf Grad Mokrice, surrounded by a professionally designed golf course that remains a key attraction of the region.

Castle Mokrice Today
Today, Castle Mokrice blends centuries of architectural heritage with modern hospitality. Its exterior preserves the medieval character, while the interior has been adapted for hotel use. The estate is an important part of the cultural and tourist identity of Posavje, standing as a testament to more than a millennium of settlement and a long, complex history of ownership and transformation.