Predjamski grad
Jamska cesta 30, SI-6230 Postojna
Phone386 (0) 5 700 0100
ProprietorTurizem KRAS
Predjama Castle
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Predjama Castle was featured in the 1986 Kung-fu movie with Jackie Chan named The Armour of God. It was also investigated for paranormal activity in a 2008 episode of Ghost Hunters International on the Sci Fi Channel.
History
The castle was probably built in 12th century, but was first mentioned in the year 1274 with the German name Luegg. Owners of the castle were Patriarchs of Aquileia that named it in rough translation from Latin Cave Castle in the Karst. It was built in Gothic style on natural protected site with difficult approach just from one side. Vassals under Aquilean authority were Luegg (Jamski) noble family that expanded and fortified the castle. The castle was notorious – as the hide-out of brigands – even before the time of Erazem Jamski (Lueger) local Robin Hood from the end of 15th century. He was the descendant of Imperial Governor of Trieste, Nikolaj Lueger who was vassal of the counts of Görz. According to legend, Erazem came into conflict with the Habsburgs, when he killed the commander of the Imperial army Marshall Pappencheim, who had offended the honour of Erazem's deceased friend, Andrej Baumkircher of Vipava. Taking sides with Mathias Corvinus he fortified himself with his troop into Predjama Castle, attacked town of Trieste twice and defied imperial army for quite a long time. While under siege associates and him were supplied through the caves and were very difficult to conquer. As it often happens in warfare, he was betrayed and allegedly shot with a canon in his room. So first castle was siezed by Habsburgs and consequently damaged. New fortress was made by Purgstall family, but soon legendary earthquake in year 1511 ruined the castle. In 1567 Austrian Archduke Karel of Austria invested Kobencl family from Prosek with the 'Jama' manor. They bought off castle in poor condition and built new one in Renaissance style just under overhanging rock where old medieval fortress used to stay. The castle remained in such form, virtually unchanged, until the present day. In the 18th century, it became their favourite summer residence. The last Kobencl bequeathed Predjama Castle to his relative, Count Mihael Coronini from Kromberk, whose wife sold the fortress to Prince Weriand Windischgrätz in 1846. Thereafter it remained in hands of the Windischgrätz family until 1945, when it was nationalised by Yugoslav authorities and turned into a museum First Predjama Castle has been managed by the Notranjska Museum in Postojna. Since the late 1990s the castle has been under renovation with the aim of restoring it to how it would have looked in the time of Kobencl noble family. Since 2007 the Castle is managed by the Turizem KRAS company located in Postojna, while some museum items situated at the Castle are owned by the Notranjska Museum, Postojna.
A centuries-old linden stands in front of the castle and legend has it that Erasmus of Predjama is buried underneath it. The small Gothic church in front of the castle was recently renovated; its main attractions are frescoes from the 15th century and a Baroque altar.
Tourism
Every year in the summer time Erasmus Tournament is organised, international medieval event involves several different classes – nobles, serfs and children. Bold knights – archers, swordsmen and horsemen – show off their skills on the Field of Combat. In the Knights' Camp, swordsmen introduce themselves, their equipment and their medieval way of life. Merchants and craftsmen sell medieval products, peasant festivity known as gauda is organised, tasty medieval food is prepared, there are flag throwers, belly dancers, magicians, puppet shows, musicians and other performers show their skills. At the end of the day there is witch trial and for the fun of people of course burning of the witch. Event is carried out according to documented historic facts and models from the 16th century.
Around the castle amazing underworld is there to explore. World known Postojna Cave is just 11 kilometres away. For those with more caving experience visit with the professional guide and equipment of some less approachable caves in direct proximity of the castle can be organised on prior notice.
See also
External Links
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One of the most picturesque castles in Slovenia, Predjama Castle is built into an overhanging rock in front of a karst cave hall that is connected with a cave system underneath the castle. +
One of the most picturesque castles in Slovenia, Predjama Castle is built into an overhanging rock in front of a karst cave hall that is connected with a cave system underneath the castle. +
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