Predjama Castle or Predjamski Grad as it is called in Slovene is a Renaissance castle built in the gaping mouth of a cavern halfway up a 123-metre-high cliff. It is one of the world’s most dramatic castles and looks simply unconquerable. It is located in the village of Predjama, about 11 kilometres from the town of Postojna and 9 kilometres from the famous Postojna Cave in south-central Slovenia. It was built in the 12th century and first mentioned in 1274, but most of what you see today is from the 16th century. The castle is now a museum that shows the life in the 16th century, with an armoury, dungeon, halls, living quarters and other castle facilities. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Slovenia.
Predjama Castle Review
The Predjama Castle is a beautiful renaissance castle built in the mouth of a cave in the idyllic village of Predjama, near Postojna, in the Karst region of Slovenia. It was constructed in the Gothic style in the 13th century and is considered to be one of the more significant architectural masterpieces of that time. To prevent easy access, the castle was built under a natural rocky arch high in the stone wall. The castle has changed ownership several times through its rich history, but the most infamous owner was Erazem of Predjama (Erasmus), a knight who controlled the land in the late 15th century. There are many varying legends about him. Some legends say that he was a passionate, handsome and noble knight while on the other hand he is described as a bandit and a robber baron.
Visit to the Predjama Castle is possible 365 days per year. It’s truly a very unique and very romantic sight throughout the year – during the spring and summer months the castle’s surroundings are covered with blossoms and flowers, in the autumn months it’s clad in a variety of different colors of surrounding forests and it’s especially magical in the winter when everything is draped in white. The castle itself is well run. The entrance fee includes a very informative audio guide in many languages with 29 points of interest throughout the castle detailing its history over the past 800 years. The castle is truly full of history and almost every part is talked about. Visitors can learn about the history of the castle and its owners, ask questions and get some interesting legends and knight stories. There are also many original items, as well as replicas and models in the rooms, halls and towers inside the castle. From May to September it is also possible to visit the picturesque Cave under the Predjama Castle.
A visit to the Predjama Castle will leave you with an unforgettable impression, but please note that there are several steep steps and narrow areas so not suitable for very young children or people with walking difficulties. The entrance fee is €11,90 for adults, €1 EUR for children up to 5 years, €7,10 for children up to 15 years and €9,50 for students. If you are planning on visiting both the castle and the caves then you can purchase a joint ticket and save a couple of euros per person: Postojna Caves + Predjama Castle: €31,90 for adults, €2 EUR for children up to 5 years, €19,10 for children up to 15 years and €25,50 for students.
Timetable of visits:
January, February, March, November, December: 10:00 – 16:00
April, October: 10:00 – 17:00
May, June, September: 9:00 – 18:00
July, August: 9:00 – 19:00
Here you have a video touring inside castle
