Predjama Castle

No, it’s not a fairy-tale. But it might as well be. If you’ve never seen an ancient castle perched within a giant 123-metre-high cliff, now’s your chance. According to the Guinness Book of Records, The Predjama Castle is the largest cave castle in the world.

Built around 800 years ago, the castle’s structure hasn’t been altered for over 500 years.
The last person to order renovation works on the place was Slovenia’s very own Robin Hood, Erasmus of Lueg. This renowned 15th century robber baron apparently constructed a network of underground tunnels to supply himself with food when besieged by his enemies.

No wonder the Game of Thrones author, George R. R. Martin, was so mesmerised by the castle’s beauty. In 2008, Predjama Castle also hosted a Discovery Channel team, bent on proving the existence of ghosts within its walls.

Haunted or not, Predjama Castle truly is a superbly preserved relic that should be placed high on your bucket list when visiting Slovenia. The castle is open to visitors all-year-round, whereas its cave system is only open from June to August. An audio guide takes you through every part of the castle with excellent commentary.

You get to experience what life in the Middle Ages looked like. There’s an armoury, a living quarter, servants’ residence, a chapel and even a dungeon with a torcher chamber. Every year, medieval games are held in front of the castle each year. Watching knights charge at each-other with the mighty fortress in the background is truly sight worth seeing.