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Predjama Castle it was the great surprise of our trip through Slovenia: We had read that Ljubliana was a modern and lively city, we knew that Bled was a wonder of nature, that Postonja caves were a must, but we did not know that we would visit one of the most beautiful castles in Europe and the world!

The history of this castle, which for 700 years embraces the rock walls of a chaotic mountain, is one of those that mix legend, reality and conspiracy. The protagonist isErasmus Lueger, A young nobleman with an exciting life. Erasmus honorably served his king (Frederick III) until he decided to justify our hero's best friend to death. Erasmus was sunk in sadness and doubt: should he remain faithful and loyal to his lord or avenge the death of his friend following the ideal of friendship? After understanding that death was unfair and disproportionate, he decided to betray his lord (the very king of Austria) and ally himself with the king of Hungary, Matthias Corvinus (at that time it was worse than being from Madrid and moving to Barcelona!).

As expected of his ex-lord, this betrayal felt like his ass and decided to send a squad and besiege the castle of Erasmus. But instead of attacking him, his plan was to remain nearby, cutting off all kinds of supplies. Days, weeks, months passed, but no one, neither Erasmus nor his assistants, seemed to suffer thirst and hunger. Austrian troops did not give credit to the resistance of Predjama Castle. After 6 months Erasmus sent a gift to the troops: a servant of the castle brought them a roast pig.

A roast pig ?! Now the troops did not give credit to what they saw. But the surprises were not going to end: after another 6 months Erasmus sent another gift ... fresh and tasty cherries. The troops could not leave their astonishment, after a year of siege the castle was still functioning without any problem and worst of all, where the hell were they getting the tastiest cherries they had ever tasted? They bribed the servant of Erasmus to tell him what was going on between the walls of the castle and this, little loyal to his lord and very tempted by the money god decided to tell everything. He only put one condition: to kill his master by making everything look like an accident ...

The plan was as follows: the servant would light a candle just as soon as his lord, Erasmus, went to the bathroom like every night before bedtime. The bathroom was in an annex to the castle making it an easy target for Austrian troops. The moment arrived and the cannon fired a bullet that shattered the bathroom stall and killed the rebel. Erasmus's life faded shortly before the secret of Predjama Castle be discovered... a cave that communicated with a secret exit to a nearby town! There came the supplies, including the rich cherries, whose fame still lingers.

Ah! We almost forgot, Erasmus is very dear among Slovenes since it was known as the National Robin Hood: He assaulted caravans of rich merchants to spread the spoils among the poor ... a romantic hero.

Today the castle can be visited entirely: from the common rooms to a room where the prisoners were tortured, the kitchen with its natural fireplace, the priest's room that supervised that the inquisition would be well marked on the skin of the prisoners, to a viewpoint hidden between the walls of the mountain ... Although the most emblematic and curious stay is undoubtedly the beginning of the secret cave where pigs, cherries passed and to know how many more delights during the siege of the castle of Predjama 🙂

USEFUL INFO

- Where is Predjama Castle? Only 10 km from the Postonja caves, so it is a good idea to visit both places on the same day.

- How to get? We arrive with the best tour of Slovenia in one day but if you travel for free the ideal option is to arrive by car. If you do not have your own means you can arrive by bus from Ljubljana to Postonja (where the caves are located) and from there or take a taxi (10 km) or take advantage of the free shuttles between the caves and the castle in July and August.

- Price: € 11.90 (€ 31.90 admission combined with Postonja caves).

- Worth: We loved it and we would visit it again (especially the part of the secret cave) although if you are not a lover of castles and want to save money, you can do without this ticket. This yes ... see it from outside is free (and it is the most impressive) so come closer!