Predjama Castle & Postojna Cave
Another great day of sightseeing in the surrounding areas of the Slovenian capitol of Ljubljana. Above is the 13th century Predjama Castle, sitting 123 meters (404 feet) cliffside over a river gorge. It’s most unique feature, however, is that it was built in front of a massive cave entrance, allowing for additional safe space, storage, and even an escape route if necessary. Its most famous resident/owner from the 1400’s, Erasmus of Lueg, was caught reappropriating the weapons, horses, and supplies of the occupying Austrian army (a Slovenian Robin Hood of sorts). The Austrians laid siege to his castle and isolated it, thinking that, without food, it’s resident would have to surrender. However, Erasmus figured out the complex cave system abutting his castle which stretched over 1km underground. He found a “back door” on the other side of the hill and was able to go and come freely despite the ongoing assault, a stalemate for over a year given the highly protected position of the castle. At the end of this time, Erasmus apparently started throwing fruits and vegetables at his attackers. He was finally taken out by a well-aimed catapult which obliterated the castle outhouse, occupied at the time by the aforementioned Erasmus.
Erasmus of Lueg
Map of the cave system
Postojna Cave, a few minute drive from Predjama Castle, is the single greatest tourist attraction in all of Slovenia. About a 40 minute drive outside the capitol of Ljubljana, it hosts over 1 million tourists per year and is one of the most visited caves in the world. The complex consists of over 24km (15 miles) of caves and has been open to the public since 1819. For the past 140 years, visitors have been transported into the cavern by a small railway which carries them 1.5 miles (2-3km) into the mountain. The 1.5hr tour is 5km round trip, 3.5km of which is by rail.
Overall, there are over 80 major cave systems in Slovenia but only a handful are open to the public due to safety issues.
A very interesting story!
ReplyDeleteYes, I particularly loved that he pummeled them with food after they thought they were starving him out!
DeleteSo glad to see all the special pictures
ReplyDelete