Pusti grad

Šoštanj Castle, also known as Pusti grad (German Schonstein), is located on a steep slope above the town of Šoštanj in the western part of the Saleska Valley, by the Paka River.

Its German name means "beautiful stone," referring to the beauty of this medieval castle. The name "Pusti grad" only came into use once the castle became abandoned and fell into ruin.

History

The castle was probably built in the 12th century on the estate of the St. Paul's Monastery, but its builders are unknown. The first records of a knightly lineage in Šoštanj date between 1189 and 1268. The castle is first explicitly mentioned in documents in 1318 as "purch Schonstain".

In the 14th century, the castle passed into the ownership of the Lords of Žovnek and then the Counts of Celje, who held it until 1456. During this time it was managed by various castellans, until the castle began to fall into ruin after the battles with the Habsburgs and was partially demolished.

Source: Wikipedia