The historic square called Novi trg in the settlement of Pilštanj in the municipality of Kozje was formed in the second half of the 14th century. The square is located on the saddle between two hills, where Pilštanj and Dren castles stood already above the Bistrica River in the 10th century. The settlement was formed around a rectangular square in the early Middle Ages as an exceptional strategic outpost at the crossroads of paths, from where the view opens over the entire southern slope of Kozje. In addition to the two castles, the church of St. Michael also played an important role in the development of the square Novi trg. Church was once also the seat of the parish. Records of the existence of a primary and secondary school, shop, post office, police, administrative building, and a fair testify about historical importance of the place. Still-preserved whipping post from the Middle Ages testifies about court trials on the square.
The town square began to lose its role in the 19th century when a new road from Pilštanj was moved to the Bistrica valley. The population's emigration from Kozje area to larger urban settlements had the greatest influence on the town's demise. Today, 9 people live on the square, so only 6 houses are permanently inhabited. The old settlement and building heritage of Pilštanj is falling into disrepair, and the public content on the square is only taken care of by enthusiasts who strive to preserve the characteristic identity of the place.
An integrated strategy for the re-urbanisation of a place can only be implemented with a systemic renovation, with the inclusion of interdisciplinary experts at the very beginning of the project, an open public debate, and an appropriate policy of the local administration. Various large-scale architectural and urban interventions, which consider and establish a relationship with the past values of architectural culture, can be the initiators of the revival of the place. They can also demonstrate new possibilities for a contemporary way of living.
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