Predjama Castle (Predjamski Grad)
Predjama 1, Predjama, 6230
Built into the mouth of a cave in the middle of a towering limestone cliff, the Renaissance-style Predjama Castle is one of Slovenia’s most popular attractions. The castle is now a museum featuring an eerie dungeon, many 16th-century treasures, and a secret hiding spot called Erazem’s Nook, after Erazem Lueger—Slovenia’s Robin Hood—who hid out from the authorities here.
The basics
A visit to Predjama Castle is the highlight of many Slovenia day trips from Zagreb, Trieste, Ljubljana, and Koper. Many trips to the castle also include a tour of the nearby Postojna Cave, which features an underground railway through fascinating subterranean cave formations.
Visitors are welcome to tour the castle at their leisure, or with the audio guide or mobile app included with admission. During the summer months, you can also tour a section of the cave under the castle or embark on an extended tour of the caves for an additional fee.
Things to know before you go
- The castle is a fun, family-friendly activity in the heart of Slovenia’s Karst region.
- The interior of the castle can be cold, so bring along a sweater or light jacket.
- Castle tours are not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
How to get there
Predjama Castle is located in the village of Predjama, about 35 miles (57 kilometers) southeast of Ljubljana and only 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the Postojna Cave. The easiest way to get to the castle is by driving or joining a guided tour. Trains also run from Ljubljana to Postojna frequently, and a shuttle bus provides transportation between Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave during the summer months.
When to get there
Predjama Castle is open year round, but the cave under the castle can only be toured between May and September. Hours vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check before you go. Come right when it opens to avoid the crowds, particularly if you’re visiting during the busy summer season.
The Legend of Erasmus of Lueg
In the 15th century, Slovenia’s very own Robin Hood, the knight Erasmus of Lueg, hid in the Predjama Castle after killing a member of the royal Austrian army. Erasmus continued his robberies, donating the stolen goods to the poor, and evading the authorities by using a hidden passageway to get in and out of the castle. Legend has it, Erasmus was betrayed by one of his own men and was killed by a shot from a cannon while sitting on the lavatory.
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