We left Opatija in Croatia early to make our way north to our next stop for the night at Kobarid, back into the stunning country of Slovenia.

Our first stop for the day was Predjama Castle.

How amazing is this castle, nestled into the mouth of a cave on the side of the hill.  At first it seemed unbelievable that such a structure could have been built over 600 years ago.

It must have taken years and certainly is an impressive piece of engineering.  Built under a rocky cave like arch high in the side of the mountain to make access difficult.  Built to be safe and impenetrable.

The castle became well known as the home of the knight Erazem Lueger in the 15th century.  He was a renowned robber and all round bad guy.

According to the legend, Erazem came into conflict with the Habsburgs, a neighbouring family, regularly attacking their estates and other towns in the area.

He was finally killed after being betrayed by one of his men, supposedly shot by a cannon while sitting on the toilet which was located on the outside wall of the castle.  Must have been a good shot!

I’m sure the seat was not this comfy back in the 1500s.

Climbing stairs, peeking through nooks and crannies and experiencing the rooms and passage ways of this unbelievable castle was one of the most educational days we have experienced.  It was easy to be re-living how it must have been in those days – the cold, the isolation, the basic human comforts, plus the fear of constant threat.

I wonder – did the people living there ever venture outside its walls?

What I found fascinating was the well found in the depths of the hillside inside the castle where water would seep through the rocks to be collected.

A view from the castle looking back over the village – such a beautiful part of Slovenia.

Well worth visiting this castle!

Jeff & Catherine xx