Reach this elegant Renaissance castle via a secret tunnel and learn the legend of the rebel baron who resided in the largest cave castle in the world.
Predjama Castle is a fascinating Renaissance relic embedded in the mouth of a cave. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle seems like something out of a dark fairy tale with its fortress-like façade, hidden passageway and historic legend. Learn the history of the structure as you traverse its eerie interior.
The castle looks out from its perch halfway up a 400-foot (123-metre) cliff. Peruse the interior of the building and see its stately rooms, which offer an insight into how noble families lived here. Kids will love the treasure chest and the holes in the ceiling designed for pouring boiling oil on invaders. Check out the chapel, the dungeon and the living quarters. See collections of weapons and works of art. The most notable is the 15th-century sculpture of the Virgin Mary.
Hear the legend of Erazem Lueger, a renowned rebel knight who was lord of the castle in the 1400s. The knight was wanted for murdering the commander of the imperial army and hid in the castle for a year and a day. The legend has it that the army finally captured him while he was in the bathroom, after a tip off from a disloyal servant.
Creep through the tunnel that Erazem allegedly used to gather resources from the nearby town of Vipava, or get a breath of fresh air on a areas below the cliff
There is a fee to enter the castle and discounts are available for children. Consider a deal that includes a trip through parts of the Predjama Caves. The castle is open daily, with shorter opening hours in winter. Book at least 3 days in advance.
Predjama Castle is 6.5 miles (10.5 kilometres) northwest of Postojna and accessible via bus from Postojna’s main railway station.
