Predjama Castle

Romantic appeal of Predjama Castle is emphasized by the idyllic River Lokva, which disappears into the underground world deep down below the castle.

The undoubtedly most famous of all castle inhabitants was the knight Erazem of Predjama, who rebelled against the imperial autocracy in the 15th century. Nowadays Erazem is the main protagonist of numerous legends, which on the one hand glorify him as a passionate, handsome, noble knight, while on the other hand he is described as a bandit ans a robber baron, who eventually breathed his last while in the toilet.

The castle is only accessible from one side, however the legend has it that the robber baron Erazem was getting his food and drinks supply through a secret passage leading from the old castle onto the surface. During this time, the emperor's army was besieging his castle in vain and it took a trick played on Erazem by his opponents and a corrupt servant for Erazem to fall.

Visitors learn about the history of the castle and its former owners in the front tower. In other parts of the castle the equipment includes a selection original items, as well as replicas and models. The room with the most opulent equipment is the knight’s room; the castle life in the late Gothic period is presented to visitors in the dining room. The Renaissance hall on the third floor is where hunting trophies of the last castle owner, the Windischgrätz Prince, are exhibited.

From June to September it is also possible to visit the picturesque Cave under Predjama Castle. Owing to its position and favourable temperatures it is inhabited by interesting dwellers – a colony of bats, which is why it is not possible to get inside the cave during the bats’ winter hibernation period.