A castle only seen in fairytales – The Ljubljana Castle. The number one place to visit when you are in Ljubljana is the Old Town – Ljubljana castle. It is located near the city center and you can reach it by foot. There is the most beautiful view of Ljubljana from this place. You can get to know history here and travel to the distant past.
On a hill in the center of Ljubljana, Ljubljana's old town tells its medieval story of a fortress. In the Middle Ages it was the seat of the Carinthian princes Spanheim. According to some archaeological research, it is believed that people from 1.200 BC lived here and that the first settlements were built at that time.
The fortress was damaged during the Turkish wars in the 15th century, but it was rebuilt after the war. It received two new entrances, and new premises were added during the 17th and 18th centuries. However, after the 17th century, the rulers moved to the city and the fortress began to fall into disrepair due to lack of finances. The fortress served as a state prison for Carniola and Carinthia in the 19th century. The fortress has undergone numerous changes in the 20th century. The castle has been renovated and was being used for ceremonial celebrations, cultural events and exhibitions. There is a nice cafe and a very good restaurant in the yard today.
As of April 1, 2011, the management of the City of Ljubljana was taken over by the newly established Public Institution Ljubljana City.
The castle is a place where you can get closer to the sun and see a view you have never encountered before.
There is a cafe Grajska kavana in the castle where you can enjoy freshly prepared savory dishes and sweet treats, and in the inn Gostilna na Gradu or in the gastronomic restaurant Strelec, you will try dishes that every gourmet will be happy to say YES to. There is a museum and a hall for a virtual visit of the fortress in the castle.
Ticket price for Ljubljana Castle
Offers for sightseeing of the fortress are different, we recommend the "time machine“ which costs 15.00 € per person, the price includes a cable car ride.
Learn everything about the castle and the city, and embark on a time machine with guides through the 6 stages that marked the castle.
Working hours of the castle are from 10:00 to 22:00.
The cable car is open from 10:00 to 18:00.
Restaurant Strelec from 17.00h -22.00h (closed on Sundays and holidays).
Dvorska kavana MON-THU & SUN from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm;
FRI & SAT from 10.00h to 20.00h.
Restaurant Gostilna na Gradu MON-SAT 12.00h-22.00h; SUN & Holidays 12.00h-17.00h
Author of the aricle:
Bojana Pantić - our correspondent for the city of Ljubljana
Photo credit: STADERZEN
