Gradiško lake

An attractive recreational trail is located by the artificially dammed Gradiško Lake near Gradišče near Lukovica. The lake invites you to go for a walk accompanied by swans and ducks, or for a 4.2-kilometre run around the lake, which also attracts fishermen. The lake is also part of the Rokovnjaška Trail, which runs 55 km over the tops of the surrounding hills. The Church of St Marjeta stands on the plateau above Gradiško lake. Not far from it, evidence has been found of a prehistoric hillfort, which gave the place its name. The ruins of Rožek Castle rise to the south-east of the lake.

THE STORY OF THE LAKE:
There are two legends that say that a lake once stood in this area, below the present-day settlement of Gradišče. Both legends mention Gradišče castle and Rožek castle. The first says that a dragon lived in the lake. The daughter of a castle owner was to be sacrificed to the dragon, but the dragon was slain by a beggar who was richly rewarded for his sacrifice. Another legend says that the two noblemen used to visit each other on the lake and fish together. Later, at the request of the Count of Rožek Castle, the serfs had to dig over the dam at Kurnik in Trnjava. The water drained away and pastures were created.

On the plateau above the lake of Gradiško, the church of St. Marjeta stands. On the top of the hill, to the north-east of the Church of St Marjeta in Gradišču, evidence has been found that a prehistoric hillfort stood on the site, from which the place takes its name. The ruins of Rožek Castle rise to the south-east of the lake.