Murska Sobota Castle

Murska Sobota Castle was first mentioned in 1255 as Bel Mura. From 1365 until the seventeenth century,  it has belonged to the Széchy family, who in the 16^th century buit a Renaissance chateau with four corner towers and side wings, and a courtyard and entrance on the north side. Thr first document to refer to it as castellum Mwrayzombath dates to 1478. Renaissance elements are preserved in the stone window frames and portal arch on the north side. In 1687 the castle became the property of Peter Szapáry. The municipality of Murska Sobota eventurally bought it from his descendants in 1934. Baroque elements date back to the 18^th century and can be found on the north façade, in the arcade courtyard, in the chapel and in the Grand Salon, which is decorated in illusionistic style. The eastern portal with atlants and the balustrade balcony was built at the end of the 19^th century. The nine-hectare castle park – today’s city park – dates back to the Baroque period and was laid out as an English garden in the 18^th century.