Some perched on a cliff, some on a city hill and some in the lap of caves, the castles of Slovenia not only have a rich history but also some of the most intriguing geographical locations in the world. No less than 500 magnificent castles and castle ruins (yes, that is how many castles are in Slovenia) of different eras and schools of art dot the naturally captivating landscape of this hidden Eastern European gem.
The majestic Ljubljana caste on the hill above the city
Although the most famous castle in Slovenia is Predjama Castle, renowned for its dramatic location built into a cliff face, Slovenia has several enchanting castles with alluring beauty and romance. But why does Slovenia have so many castles? Due to Slovenia’s historical location at the crossroads of important trade routes and the influence of various ruling families and nobility throughout history, the country became home to a high concentration of castles. Many of Slovenia’s castles have been converted into museums and cafes (like the Ljubljana Castle) and many still stand tall enveloped in a charming atmosphere from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Hapsburgian times!
To make your choices easier, we have rounded up some of the most enchanting/ best castles in Slovenia to visit at least once in your lifetime.
Bled Castle
In north-western Slovenia, nestled on Bled Island is the magical Bled Castle. While the castle's cliff-hanging location on the beautiful Bled Lake offers some of the most captivating views in Slovenia, its status as the oldest Slovenian castle with the most famous Slovenian symbols, Church of St. Mary on Bled Island, make it a charming avenue to dive into the traditional and local history of the area.
Bled Castle overlooks the lake of the same name
Dip your feet in authentic cultural experiences at the Bled Castle’s Winter Dance, also called the Dance with the Lord and the Lady of the Castle! The dance usually takes place near Christmas and New Year’s, on 24, 26 and 31 December as well as the 1st of January.
Ljubljana Castle
In the centre of Slovenia, sitting atop the Castle Hill of Ljubljana is the medieval Ljubljana Castle. Overlooking the city for over 1000 years, Ljubljana’s castle now houses a museum, cafe and outdoor terraces to sip on delicious wines. It is also a hub of varied experiences, offering puppet shows, the castle's iconic rooms, walking trails, stunning restaurants with mouth-watering food and even an escape room. Take the funicular or power your steps up the city hill to soak up memorable views from the castle’s stunning panoramic location!
Picturesque aerial views of Ljubljana Castle and the city
When in Ljubljana you are free to wander the grounds of the castle and, on Friday evenings, enjoy music concerts in the castle’s suggestive location. An admission fee is charged only if you want to dig deeper into history and visit the tower, exhibits and chapel.
Tip: If you love fun activities like escape rooms in the spooky atmosphere of the Middle Ages, then you can also visit the historic Bellinzona Castles in Switzerland! Predjama Castle
In southern Slovenia, sitting gently in a cave of Postojna Park is Predjama Castle. Perhaps the only one of its kind, Predjama Castle in Southern Slovenia is a must-visit for its spectacular location. This 800-year-old beauty is built into a natural cave system, earning it the title of the “fairytale castle embraced by a rock”, where the romantic and rebellious legend of Erazem was born!
In the lap of rocks, Predjama Castle in lush springs
According to the legend, the rebellious knight named Erazem Lueger defied the Habsburg Empire and used the impregnable Predjama Castle as his hideout. The knight conducted daring raids and used secret tunnels to avoid capture. But after a year-long siege, a traitor revealed the castle's secret entrance, leading to Erazem’s murder by a cannonball while he was using the bathroom! The legend is popular in Slovenian folklore, making Predjama Castle one of the most popular tourist attractions in Slovenia.
Take a realistic tour of the castle and enjoy Erazem’s Knight Tournament that is bringing the legend of the brave baron to life through medieval dances, music and pyrotechnic games.
Tip: Don’t miss a visit at the stunning Postojna Cave, an underground natural wonder!
Snežnik Castle
Located amidst the picturesque setting of Notranjska Park in Loška Dolina, Snežnik Castle is a romantic castle with authentic interiors from the second half of the 19th century. Its origins trace back to the time of the Aquileian patriarchs in the 10th and 11th centuries.
13th-century Sneznik Castle (Grad Snežnik ) located in Loska Dolina, Slovenia
Over the centuries, the castle changed hands and underwent transformations, acquiring its Renaissance appearance in the 16th century. The castle's current form is the result of additions made by the princely Saxon family in the 19th century, the Schönburg-Waldenbur family who refurbished the interior luxuriously and constructed agricultural buildings and a landscaped English park.
Štanjel Castle
Štanjel Castle, located in Štanjel, Slovenia, has undergone several expansions and changes throughout its history. Initially built in the feudal system, the castle started as a smaller structure and expanded over time. During World War I, the castle complex was used as a hospital by the Austrian army. In the period between the two world wars, it served as a town meeting place and housed facilities such as a school, a library, and a medical center.
View of Štanjel castle and Parish Church of St. Danijel at Karst in Primorska, Slovenia
Unfortunately, Štanjel Castle suffered significant damage during World War II. Despite the destruction, the remaining parts of the castle still showcase its Baroque-Renaissance grandeur and beauty. Today, visitors can explore the castle and witness its architectural splendour amidst the idyllic surroundings.
Podsreda Castle (The Castles of Kozjansko)
In Eastern Slovenia, amidst the stunning contrasts of pure white and deep hues, stand The Castles of Kozjansko.
The castles built in this part of Slovenia were constructed with the aim of securing the borders along Solta River. Thus, many mighty castles like Kunsperk and Kozje and others like Pišece, Podsreda and Bizeljsko are sprinkled all over Kozjansko Park.
Feel the human presence in nature at Podsreda Castle
Amongst these, the most famous is Podsreda castle, the “most castle-like castle of Slovenia”. The castle is preserved carefully to date, you will find that today it is home to many cultural, social, educational and tourist activities. Meanwhile, Pišece Castle’s stunning solitary location, with a shingled roof and snow-white exteriors overlooking the landscape from in between dense forests, make for a stunning visual scenery!
Ptuj Castle
Nestled on a hill in the scenic city of Ptuj, the Ptuj Castle is a magnificent structure that houses impressive exhibitions of the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum and offers an immersive experience into Ptuj's rich archaeological heritage. The castle houses displays of instruments, arms, traditional masks, and striking tapestries. However, the castle was first transformed into a medieval fortress in the 11th century. Later, it was converted into a Baroque manor by the Leslie family. The castle's last owners, the Counts of Herberstein, eventually turned it into a museum in 1945!
Ptuj Castle or Ptujski Grad in Hilltop in Slovenia Oldest City
Today, visitors can explore luxurious rooms, an armoury, a gallery of Gothic and Baroque art, collections of reliquaries and paintings on glass, exhibitions on the castle's history, traditional carnival masks, and a remarkable collection of historical musical instruments. The castle also showcases ancient relief and inscription stones, including the valuable Roman double flute called Tibia.
Celje Castle
The romantic Celje Old Castle, a must-see sight for all visitors to Celje
Standing still in time on three hills, the Old Castle of Celje is in the southeast of Celje, where the river Savinja meanders into the Laško valley in the Thermal Pannonian region. It dates to 1323 and was expanded and transformed by the influential Counts of Celje, gaining its current appearance under their rule. Over the years, the castle has become a popular tourist attraction with stunning views, events like medieval festivals and the Live History program, guided tours, royal feasts, knighting ceremonies, and wedding arrangements!
These, however, are only some of the stunning castles of Slovenia and there are many, many more waiting to be discovered and experienced in their full grandeur. So, which one will you visit next? Book a holiday home in Slovenia for your next vacation and transport yourself to different worlds all at once!
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