Show menu

Predjama Castle

Mighty Predjama Castle is perched halfway up a 123-metre cliff, where it has stood for more than 800 years. It even appears in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest cave castle in the world.  The castle is also connected to the legend of the "robber baron" Erasmus of Predjama. Its uniqueness has not escaped the notice of the film industry and it has frequently served as a film set. As well as visiting the castle, we recommend visiting the Cave below Predjama Castle, the second-longest show cave in Slovenia. 
Predjama Castle. Photo: Ivan Majc
Predjama Castle. Photo: Ivan Majc

Predjama Castle is first attested in 1274, the year it was built, in the Gothic style, by the Patriarch of Aquileia. It was later rebuilt by its new owners, the Luegg family, whose most notorious member was Erasmus of Predjama. Predjama Castle is the only completely preserved cave castle in Europe. Its unique situation halfway up a cliff offers a unique insight into the construction techniques and inventiveness of its medieval builders, who sought a safe refuge right by the entrance to the cave. 

The castle has featured in numerous documentaries and feature films. Two of the most prominent are an episode of the reality series Ghost Hunters International and the film Armour of God starring action hero Jackie Chan.

Inside the castle, visitors can see numerous replica weapons – lances, halberds, swords, battle hammers, longbows, crossbows and armour – in a faithfully reconstructed room in the main castle attic. 

The Predjama Treasure

Did you know that a real treasure was actually hidden in Predjama Castle for several centuries – right up until 1991? 

It consisted of a small cup, three goblets, a drinking chalice with cover, another drinking chalice, a windmill cup, a saltcellar and a pair of candlesticks. Ten silver-gilt items for secular use, richly decorated with floral and other patterns. In terms of form and style they belong to the last quarter of the 16th century and the early 17th century. The treasure can be seen today at the Notranjska Museum Postojna.
Predjama treasure. Photo: Miha Dolenc
Predjama treasure. Photo: Miha Dolenc
Notranjska Museum Postojna. Photo: Miha Dolenc
Notranjska Museum Postojna. Photo: Miha Dolenc

Predjama Castle – Photo Gallery

Predjama Castle with the entrance to the Cave below Predjama Castle (bottom left). Photo: Slavko Polak
Armoury in Predjama Castle. Photo: Iztok Medja, Archives of Postojnska jama d.d.
Photo: Iztok Medja, Archives of Postojnska jama d.d.
The cannonballs said to have killed Erasmus of Predjama. Photo: Iztok Medja, Archives of Postojnska jama d.d.

Predjama Castle – Video Gallery

See also