Predjama Castle, Cave castle in Predjama, Slovenia

Predjama Castle is a cave fortress in Predjama, Slovenia, that extends across several levels within a vertical limestone wall. The structure combines natural rock formations with built sections and reaches a height of roughly 123 meters (404 feet) above the bottom of the gorge.

The first written mention dates back to 1274, when the fortress was still a simpler Gothic structure. During the 15th century, the knight Erasmus of Lueg used secret tunnel connections to withstand a siege by imperial forces.

The name comes from Slovenian and means in front of the cave, which explains its unusual position against the rock wall. Visitors today see rooms with medieval furniture and wall paintings that show daily life at the time and give the impression of a lived-in refuge.

Anyone visiting should wear sturdy shoes because stairs and passages can be uneven and some areas are narrow and steep. It is worth arriving early in summer or traveling outside the main holiday periods to avoid larger crowds.

The vertical shaft that Erasmus had enlarged still leads from the castle to an exit at the top of the cliff, 25 meters from the edge. The secret passage was walled up in the early 17th century after a burglary and only reopened around 2000. Guided cave tours enter the second level beneath the castle, once used as a horse stable, and climb metal stairs to the third level, leaving the cave above the castle.