Muta is a road side settlement with two centres. Lower Muta lies near the outflow of the river Bistrica into the river Drava. Upper Muta is situated on the edge of the terraces of the Muta plains and adjacent to the road to Gortini. The town took its name from the tollgate (mentioned in 1192) at the crossroads of Koroška, Štajerska and Mislinja Valley. After the year 1490 two castles were erected adjacent to the parish church. The settlement and traffic in the area was controlled and protected by the castle above the river Bistrica until the 16th century. At that time the nobility left the fortress somewhat in ruins, and due to subsequent frequent refurbishment, it is today adorned in the Bidermajer style. The church of St. Margaret stands in Upper Muta, and at the turning from the main road in Lower Muta stands the round chapel of St. John the Baptist. The many hundred years tradition of ironworks and blacksmithing are preserved in the museum at Muta. Of the many cultural monuments, the Kienhofen castle, which today houses a museum, is worth a visit. Neighbouring Gortina, Pernice, Sveti Primož and Sveti Jernej nad Muto, all offer peaceful and picturesque walks surrounded by idyllic nature throughout the seasons.
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