Predjama Castle
Predjama Castle
Predjama Castle was probably built in the 12th century but was first mentioned in the second half of the 13th century. It was built in an area that was controlled by the town of Aquilea but was contested by the Counts of Gorizia. In those times the castle was called Jama Castle (Jama translates to cave). 3
In 1567 the castle was bought by Hans Kobenzl, an Austrian knight from K?ten. His descendants remained owners of the castle until 1810. And because this important noble family mostly resided in Austria the castle was kept in good shape but escaped further large rebuilding campaigns. Two more owners followed until the castle was confiscated by the state after World War II. 6
A centuries-old linden stands in front of the castle and legend has it that Erasmus of Predjama is buried underneath it. The small Gothic church in front of the castle was recently renovated; its main attractions are frescoes from the 15th century and a Baroque altar. 4
Appearing to hang in the middle of a 403-foot-tall limestone cliff, Predjama Castle was carved into the side of the rock and has no man-made rear walls: the vertical face of the cliff serves as those walls. Today, visitors to the Castle can tour the grounds and the inside of the building — as well as explore the caves and underground river below the architectural marvel. To get a sense of the unique “fit” the castle has with the cliff, check out Slovenia Landmarks, which has an excellent VR tour of the Castle and in its interior. 2
Check out, in one of the oldest sections of the castle, Erazem’s underground passage where he made his way to the valley for his supply of cherries. Look through the “window”, jagged edged in the mountain wall, at the houses below with the linden tree and the little chapel where he is said to be buried. 8
Predjama castle is located in the middle of a 123 m high, overhanging, limestone cliff, in the entrance of a cave. Beneath the castle the Lovka stream runs into another cave. There is also a smaller cave which was used as horse stables. This cave gives access to the underground cave system which can be visited but only in small groups led by a guide with the use of special gear that can be rented there. Also the interior of the castle can be visited for a small fee and is really interesting, because you get to see how well the castle was adapted to the cave and the rock face. 7
If you want to make a more thorough examination of the cave system below the castle, there are additional tours available and you’ll find that this extensive cavern system has been inhabited since Palaeolithic times, so Erazem was only a relative newcomer. metres of this fascinating underground world have been explored. 9
The castle perches on a vertical cliff 123 metres high; behind it is an extensive system of underground passageways with various hidden exits and a supply of running water. An almost impregnable fortress. 5
