Predjama, The Most Beautiful Castle in Slovenia

Have you ever wanted to visit a medieval castle that still keeps that original old feel? Ever wanted to feel as if medieval people were still living and working in a picturesque castle? Then you have to visit Predjama Castle in Slovenia (I’ll explain how to visit Predjama Castle in a minute).

On my last trip to Slovenia, I stopped to visit Predjama Castle before I headed back to Ljubljana to catch my Wizzair flight to London. This medieval construction was built in a cave halfway up a 127m cliff. It is one of the very few cave castles left in the whole of the Alps, and was built in different stages. In the old times, reaching the castle used to be a difficult task and it was far from comfortable.

Today, you can combine the visit to Predjama Castle with the Postojna Caves, as they are less than 10km apart. There is also the possibility to buy a combo ticket for both attractions, making for a great day trip. Predjama castle (pronounced pred-yaama) was so seamlessly built onto the mountain wall, that it is hard to see where one ends and the other starts. It’s probably the one of the European castles that best represents the “fairy tale” cliche.

Visiting Predjama Castle you will learn more about the way it was built, the different stages. Inside, you will also see many rooms displaying old weapons and armours – my favourite rooms. There’s even a dungeon where you can see a statue hanging, a way to show one of the torture methods used against the enemies in the old times. I found it slightly creepy, but it’s interesting to see it.

Other rooms are fully furnished with historical items and have statues dressed in medieval costumes and performing everyday tasks, such as sewing, cooking or looking after children – yes, life used to be very exciting once upon a time! 🙂

Predjama Castle is where Baron Erazem, some sort of real-life Robin Hood used to live. Yes, he really used to steal from the rich to give to the poor. Sadly, Baron Erazem died in the least honouring way: supporter of the Hungarians, he was bombed by the Austrians while in the toilet.

HOW TO VISIT PREDJAMA CASTLE IN SLOVENIA

Predjama Castle is located in the Karst region, in the southwestern part of Slovenia. The capital Ljubljana is about 62km away and you can take a bus or a train towards Postojna, where the famous caves are located. If you buy the combo ticket, you can take the shuttle bus to Predjama Castle during the summer months for free. Otherwise, you can take a taxi from one attraction to the other.

Tickets for Predjama Castle cost 12 euros per person and Postojna Caves-Predjama combo cost 38 euros. More details are available on their website. With a separate ticket, you can also visit the caves below the castle.