Predjama Castle holds the Guinness World Record of being the largest cave castle in the world. This castle has been perched up in the middle of a vertical 123 meter high cliff for more than 700 years. The most famous inhabitant of the castle was the knight Erazem of Predjama, who rebelled against the imperial autocracy in the 15th century.
Predjama Castle is situated 9km from Postojna Cave and 11km from the town of Postojna.
A free-of-charge shuttle bus service is available between Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle in July and August for guest who buy a combined ticket for both attractions. But since we had a private tour guide, our guide parked his car here and we walked towards the castle.
According to the legend, Erazem killed the commander of the Imperial army, Marshall Pappencheim, who had offended the honour of his deceased friend. He fled from the revenge of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and settled in the family fortress of Predjama.
Erazem was besieged in his fortress for a year and a day. But he continued to survive and taunt the soldiers by pelting them with fresh cherries. Legend has it that the robber baron Erazem was getting food and drinks through a secret passage leading from the old castle onto the surface.
Visitors can learn history of the castle here in the front tower.
This is the portrait of Erazem.
The living quarters of servants.
Window which allowed the castle’s inhabitants to observe the bridge connecting to the castle’s entrance and also to defend the castle by throwing objects on the attackers.
Narrow defensive windows.
A torture chamber.
The dining room which depicts the castle life in the late Gothic period.
This is the chapel inside the castle.
The statue of Virgin Mary with Jesus in the chapel.
The weapons used for the fortress defence.
The tunnel which leads to the outhouse section of the castle.
A balcony overlooking the valley.
A servant of Erazem was bribed to reveal when his master was in attendance at the outhouse. The servant placed a candle when Erazem was inside the toilet, the one place in the castle that was not impregnable. This was the toilet where a single cannonball was launched and killed Erazem.
Continued to explore the castle built in the cave.
The wooden roof structure of the castle.
My son ringing the bell on the top of the castle.
Cave of Predjama Castle.
The view from the top of the cave.
A large hole on the cave wall which provides a window to the outside world.
A well where the castle’s inhabitant got their drinking water from.
A family tomb.
Every visitor will be given an audio device to listen to the audio guide. And of course, it had to be returned after we finished the castle visit.
Below the cliff is the entrance to the famous Erazem’s Tunnel, which visitors may still visit.
One last picture of the castle before leaving.
Located few hundred metres from the castle is the Erazem’s lime tree.
Erazem’s lime tree has been named after the famous robber baron, whose life tragically ended in 1484 after the castle which he was hiding at the time was being besieged. He is buried next to the church of St. Mary of Sorrows, which he had constructed himself. Legend has it that Erazem’s girlfriend planted the lime tree on his grave as a symbol of eternal life. For the people of Slovenia, it remains a symbol of life, good health, wisdom and justice.
Our trip for the day didn’t end at Predjama Castle. Our tour guide brought us to a viewpoint up on the Savrini Hills to see the sunset.
The viewpoint is near to Socreb Castle.
The castle has a rich history that can be traced from the Early Middle Age to 1780 when it was struck by lightning. The result of the fire caused by the lightning caused the castle to slowly start deteriorating in the 19th century.
The castle today serves as a popular excursion destination with its natural and cultural sights offering food and services to tourists.
Socerb Restaurant.
Watching the sun set in the horizon was a really satisfying ending to an eventful travel day. I managed to visit Ljubljana city, Ljubljana Castle, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle all in one day! We stayed overnight in Piran that night which would be my next post.
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