TOWER TURRET (GUT THURNAU)

Municipality: Crnomelj
 Author:  Johann Weichard Valvasor

Historical region Carniola
Author: Hugo Gerard Ströhl 1890

LOCATION
Country: Slovenia
Historical region: Lower Carniola 
Municipality: Crnomelj
Settlement: Breznik pri Dragatusu
GPS: 45°31'7,46" N 15°9'34,15" E

Tower Thurn and the estate from the book,
Die Ehre dess Hertzogthums Crain in 1689
Author:  Johann Weichard Valvasor

HISTORY:
Tower was probably built in the 14th century. In written sources it is first mentioned as Wilhalmen Semenitsch Turret in the year 1463. Second time it is mentioned as Draganntutsch vnder dem Turnn in 1490. Despite serious invasions of the Turkish army in this area the Turret was never taken. Turks managed to destroy church of St. Neza by the Tower, and it walls collapsed in the spring creek called lake. The upper part of the Turret  was a prison for women the lower part for men. The chapel of St. Andrew in the estate eventually fell apart. Around the Turret was a beautyfull flower garden which was surrounded by walls, and is still partly preserved. Near the Turret is a French cave in which the squires from castle Polland According to oral tradition plunge in the captured French soldiers, who were charged with theft. With the help of some locals, the soldiers were rescued from the pit and then in retaliation burned down old castle Polland. In the18th century the Turret was demolished.

PICTURES: 

Ruins of the estate by the Tower Turret

OWNERS:
Later known owners were Counts Frankopans, next were knights Guraltics. At the beginning of the 16th century Jakob Strauss, who sold it to nobleman Sigmund Pyrsch in 1509. In the year 1550 the Turret was in posetion of noble family Schnitzenbaum. From year 1621 the owner was Mihael Bernardic. At the end of 17th century the owner was baron Janez Jurij Apfaltrer. In second half of the 18th century the owner was nobleman Janez Jozef Ruess Ruessenstein. In the year 1791 the Turret was bought by nobleman Nikolaj Pavnovic. In the year 1841 the Turret was aquired through marriage by Matija Primic. In the year 1856 the Turret was bought in an auction by nobleman Franc Friedau. In the year 1882 it was in the posesion of Austrian alpine mining company. In the year 1888 the owner was Hinko Grunwald and in the year 1896 Emanuel Kuhnel.

MAPS:

Military map of tower Turret at the settlement Bresnik (1763-1787)
Source: http://mapire.eu/en/

Franciscan cadastre of Carniola (1823-1869)