The story of this unique castle is incredible and really unforgettable. It has more than 800 years. Behind the largest cave castle in the world, there is a network of secret tunnels, from where the knight Erazem of Predjama would set out on his plundering expeditions. The Cave under Predjama Castle is the home of a colony of bats. Natural elements seamlessly interwoven with manmade ones, the result of man's work and nature's creativity has created a pearl of medieval resourcefulness. The world's largest cave castle, listed as one of the Guinness World Records, tells a picturesque story about the times when comfort had to give way to safety, and when the clatter of weapons would often drown out troubadours' songs. It is so special and unique, it ranks among the ten most fascinating castles in the world, and so romantic that many couples choose it for their wedding vows. The Predjama Castle has been used as a filming venue for numerous documentaries and feature films. The castle has also mesmerised George R. R. Martin, author of the best-seller The Game of Thrones, and has hosted the Discovery Channel team, who found the castle to be inhabited by some ghosts. You can park your bike just outside and enjoy the experience!
The mighty Predjama Castle has stood for over 800 years in the middle of a 123-meter high rock face. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest cave castle in the world.
It is also associated with the legend of the robber knight Erazem Predjamski, who, after a dispute with the Austrian Emperor Frederick III, successfully resisted the castle besiegers for more than a year, until one of his servants betrayed him by lighting a candle in the window of his room. This allowed his enemies to hit him with stone balls. It is said that Erazem's grieving fiancée buried his body in the center of the village, in front of the Church of the Sorrowful Mother of God, and planted a linden tree there, which still stands today and is known for its venerable age and hollow trunk.
Predjama Castle was first mentioned in 1274, when it was built by the abbots of Aquileia, who gave it a Gothic appearance. It was later rebuilt by its new owners, the Luegg family, whose most famous representative is Erazem Predjamski. Predjama Castle is considered the only fully preserved cave castle in Europe and, with its famous location, offers a unique insight into the construction techniques and ingenuity of medieval people, who sought refuge right next to the cave entrance.
This mighty structure has been the setting for numerous documentaries and feature films. The most notable of these include the docu-reality Ghost Hunters International and the film The Armour of God, in which action hero Jackie Chan plays the lead role. Inside the castle, you can visit the renovated hall in the main attic, where many replicas of weapons, spears and halberds, swords, war hammers, bows, crossbows and armour are exhibited.
In addition to the world-famous castle, we recommend visiting the cave under Predjama Castle, the second longest show cave in Slovenia, and the museum collection “Pri Stari dami” (At the Old Lady) – a rich collection of hunting and objects and weapons from the First World War, with a special focus on the Isonzo Front.
Translated by Google •
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