What to do and see in Postojna, Inner Carniola Region: The Best Sights & Landmarks

Reviewed By IN_Travelers47906 - West Lafayette, United States

Predjama Castle. When travelling Rovinj, Croatia to Ljubljana, we debated whether or not to make the side trip to this castle since we had already seen two other major structures built into cliffs (Tekija Blagaj Dervish House, Mostar and Pustinja Blaca/Blaca Hermitage, Brac) on this trip, but we are glad we did. Our GPS lady friend got us there with just one little glitch, which we overcame having learned to follow local road signs any time there is a discrepancy with the GPS. The drive there was through little villages and it took us about an hour to reach the castle from the Croatia-Slovenia border. There is a small parking lot which is only 50 m from the path to the cave. No fee is required unless you decide to go inside. The Predjama Castle is a picturesque and impregnable castle perched in the middle of a 404’ high rocky cliff where it has rested for over 800 years. We have learned that settling in the caves initially provided people such as monks and kings protection from pirates and the rest of the structures are the product of home improvements made over the centuries. At the base of the cliff flows the Lokva River, which disappears underground deep below the castle, which has had a variety of owners over the centuries. At the end of WWII the castle was “confiscated and nationalized by the Yugoslav Communist authorities and turned into a museum” which did not work out well. Since 2007 it has been managed by an independent company. We did not pay to go in because from what we read, the insides are not authentic, but contain lots of suits of armor and warfare gear. We did spend about 45 minutes walking the grounds, taking pictures and using the clean restroom. Food is also for sale. All in all, this is a worthy stop that we are glad we made. As an aside, about 10 minutes away were the caves. We drove past on our way back to the highway and were amazed at the size of the parking lot there, as well as the number of cars. It looked like Disney World. I am sure it must be a wonderful adventure for some, but at 70, I try to avoid large crowds where I am shuttled about like cattle.