Predjama Castle

Predjama Castle is one of the most dramatic castles anywhere, a Renaissance fortress built directly into the mouth of a vertical cliff cave, so that the rock face rises sheer above it and a cave network runs behind. The largest cave castle in the world, it is wrapped in the legend of the robber baron Erazem, who withstood a long siege here thanks to a secret cave passage.

History

The castle is first mentioned in 1274, when the Patriarch of Aquileia built it in Gothic style under a natural rock arch, and in the 15th century it was the seat of the robber knight Erasmus of Lueg, who used a natural shaft to bring in supplies during a siege. The present Renaissance castle was built in 1570, and in the 18th century it was a favourite summer residence of the Cobenzl family (Wikipedia, Predjama Castle).

What's there

• The cliff-cave castle - the fortress built into the mouth of the cave in the cliff.
• The interior - the rooms and the story of the robber baron Erazem.
• The secret passage - the cave tunnel behind that supplied the besieged castle.
• The cave beneath - the cave system, tourable in season.

When to go

The warm months for the castle and the cave behind it; it pairs naturally with the nearby Postojna Cave. A clear day flatters the dramatic cliff setting.

Good to know

The castle is more about its astonishing setting than richly furnished rooms. It is very popular, often visited with Postojna Cave, so it is busy. The cave behind is a separate, seasonal tour.

Nearby

Postojna Cave is a short drive; the Karst and the Skocjan Caves are nearby.

Key facts