Metlika

Metlika was first mentioned in written sources in 1228 as Metlica. The name is derived from the Slovene common noun metlika 'goosefoot', thus referring to the local flora. In the past the German name was Möttling.
Archaeological evidence has shown that the area has been settled since prehistoric times. From about 1205 it was incorporated into the Imperial March of Carniola and was granted town privileges in 1335. It was frequently attacked during Ottoman raids in the 15th and 16th centuries. In the 17th century, it was afflicted by an earthquake and in 1705 the entire town burned to the ground in a massive fire.
Metlika Castle
Metlika Castle is a 15th-century castle located above the old part of the town of Metlika in southeastern Slovenia, very near the Croatian border.
The castle was first mentioned in written sources in 1456. During the Ottoman incursions in the 15th and 16th century, it was owned by the Counts of Alap, and it played a key role in defence against the Turks. Later, the castle was owned by the house of Frankopan, and later yet by the chapterhouse of the bishopric of Zagreb.
During the 18th century, the castle was damaged by fire twice (in 1705 and 1790). It survived World War II intact and was afterwards nationalized without compensation and converted into the headquarters of the Museum of White Carniola (Slovene: Belokranjski muzej), established in 1951, and became home to some of its permanent collections. Exhibits include a cultural history of White Carniola, collections of Roman and medieval stone markers and memorials, and an ethnological collection on the historical way of life in White Carniola. The former castle stables and other outbuildings house the Metlika Slovene Firefighting Museum. Also, the second floor contains a wedding hall, and the basement a wine cellar. Metlika Castle also features the Gangl Gallery for temporary exhibitions, which is part of Museum of White Carniola.
(Wikipedia)
Aerial views are Google Maps