Twelve kilometres northwest of Postojna, on the edge of the karst landscape of Inner Carniola, stands one of the most remarkable castles in Europe – Predjama Castle. The structure is literally built into a 123‑metre-high cliff, filling a mighty natural cavern. Thanks to its location, which blends natural karst architecture with human ingenuity, the castle appears like a scene from a fairy tale or a fantasy novel.
Geographical Location and the Reason for Its Construction
The castle is positioned above the entrance to the extensive Predjama cave system, which stretches through several levels beneath and behind the building. This exceptional location was not chosen by chance. The natural cavern provided:
• excellent natural protection, as the castle was inaccessible from several sides,
• the possibility of secret passages into the depths of the karst underground,
• a constant water supply and natural ventilation channels,
• strategic control over the surrounding landscape and the routes between the Vipava Valley and the Inner Carniola hinterland.
The most likely reason for building the castle was precisely this combination of safety and oversight, which enabled effective defence and, at the same time, secret resupply during sieges.
Historical Development of the Castle
Early Mentions and the Medieval Fortress
Predjama Castle was first mentioned in 1274 under the name Luegg, when it was owned by the Patriarchate of Aquileia. The original structure was a Gothic fortress built deep within the rock cavity, which provided exceptional defensive strength.
Erasmus Lueger – the Castle’s Most Famous Resident
In the 15th century, the castle became the home of the knight-outlaw Erasmus Lueger, son of the Trieste governor Nikolaj Lueger. According to oral tradition, Erasmus came into conflict with the Habsburgs after killing Marshal Pappenheim in a duel. To escape the revenge of Emperor Frederick III, he sought refuge in the family stronghold of Predjama.
Erasmus allied himself with the Hungarian king Matthias Corvinus and began raiding estates and towns across Carniola. Because of this, the emperor authorised the Trieste castellan Andrej Ravbar to capture and punish him.
The Siege and the Legendary Death
The siege of the castle lasted a full year. Thanks to the secret tunnels leading into the karst underground and all the way to the Vipava Valley, the besiegers were unable to cut off the castle’s food supply. Predjama thus resisted all attacks until betrayal from within sealed its fate.
According to legend, Erasmus was killed in the castle’s exposed privy. Someone inside signalled the besiegers at the right moment, and a precisely aimed cannonball struck its target. This unusual death became part of local folklore and one of the most famous episodes of Slovenian castle legends.
Later History
After the castle’s destruction, the ruins were taken over by the noble family Oberburg. A new castle was built on the remains of the old one, but it was destroyed in the earthquake of 1511. The present Renaissance appearance dates from 1570, when a new, more representative residence was constructed beneath the medieval fortress.
The Cave World Beneath the Castle
Beneath the castle flows the Lokva stream, which disappears into the cave system below the 120‑metre cliff. The lower parts of the caves once housed horse stables, while the upper levels contain the remains of the so‑called Erasmus’s Cave Castle, a hidden refuge that allowed escape into the depths of the karst labyrinth.
Modern Use and Cultural Significance
Today, Predjama Castle is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Slovenia. Inside, visitors can explore:
• a museum collection depicting life in the castle,
• a medieval armoury,
• realistic mannequins illustrating everyday life in the Middle Ages,
• access to part of the cave system.
A special highlight is the annual Erasmus Knight Tournament, which brings the atmosphere of the 16th century back to life. Visitors can enjoy:
• knightly combat,
• archery and swordsmanship displays,
• a medieval market,
• music, dance, and cuisine of the period.
The central figures of the event are the knight Erasmus and his historical ally Andreas Baumkircher, who defended Vienna against the Turks in the 15th century.