Have you heard about the "Hogwarts school of wizardry", which is located near Ravna Gora at 800 meters above sea level, in an untouched, centuries-old forest with diverse flora and fauna - the castle of Stara Sušica?
School of magic Stara Sušica hidden from the eyes of the weak
In the real historical jewel of Gorski kotar, hidden from the eyes of bezjak, which is located on the edge of the coniferous forest of the former Frankopan town, there is the castle Stara Sušica in which Ministry of Magic Croatia (association of enthusiasts and lovers of the magical world of Harry Potter) in collaboration with Dom Mladih Rijeka, organizes educational thematic workshops, adapted to children's interests and entertainment, and one such is through the prism of the novel by Fr. Harry Potter and the School of Witchcraft.
First trip and inter-house competition
Given that this is one of the most popular books, which I believe many of us have read or watched on small screens, going to magic school, traveling by train and taking off the cloak of invisibility, are just some of the many reasons to visit Stara Susica Castle.
Although rivalry is known Slytherin i Gryffindor homes, here is an important letter of an owl filled with many tasks such as: making magic wands, competitions in the sport of magic - Metloboy, preparation of magic potions, care for magical creatures of Gorski kotar, education in herbalism, defense against dark forces (anti-bullying workshop), writing with old runes, and hearing about the history of magic to, among other things, collect points for an inter-house competition. In other words, the castle is a magical place where it is appreciated - the diligence, friendship and courage of children, who once they spend the holidays in the castle, gladly return to it.
14 chambers of secrets during the holidays
The capacity of the castle is 14 rooms spread over two floors, with a total of 110 beds, toilets and a modern kitchen and dining room that can accommodate 60 people.
Wintering, spring holidays and summer vacations are organized for kindergartens, schools, sports clubs, associations and clubs, and during the summer they also receive groups of at least 10 people. The duration of the program and the stay in the castle is arbitrary and by arrangement, and animators can be available who design entertainment and ensure creative and active leisure. It is good to know that during the winter, the castle also offers guests the possibility of free use of sledges.
You can see all the programs and the price list of services in the Stara Sušica castle on this link.
Dashes from history for big and small
According to sources published on their page, the castle of Stara Sušica and the town of Stara Sušica, were first mentioned in the 14th century during the Turkish invasion, but the old Frankopan town was not occupied in that campaign. This is the first information about existence of the Frankopan city and subjects in Sushica.
In the 19th century it was owned by Count Laval Nuget, and in 1890 it was bought by Rijeka merchants Felix and Josip Neuberger. It was Nuget and the Neubergers who carried out thorough restorations on the castle in the romantic spirit of their time, and the castle has remained so to this day. Today the castle is owned City of Rijeka, and manages it Youth Home Rijeka and serves as a resort and mountain lodge that attracts both children and adults.
If you find yourself nearby, it is definitely worth a visit as it is also a great backdrop for photography.
If you need more reasons to visit Gorski kotar click on the link and find out where to spend the weekend, and if you do decide to do it in the spring, here’s another secret about magical creatures.
Photos used with the permission of the castle Stara Sušica
