Select Page

LJUBLJANA CASTLE

CASTLE OF LJUBLJANA

The Ljubljana Castle is just one of the castles in the city but certainly the most impressive one and also the most visited. It was built in the middle of the 15th century, while today it is a popular tourist destination. No wonder! It offers an outstanding view over the city, it hosts three restaurants, a wine shop, Puppet Museum, Museum of Slovenian History and is a place of numerous cultural events. Historic guided tours of the castle are conducted every day.

Ljubljana Fortress

The castle we witness today has replaced two former castles standing on the same hill

Ljubljana Castle History

When in 1335 the Habsburgs took over the area of today’s Slovenia, they demolished the fortress of the Spanheim family, which already stood on the hill, and in the second half of the 15th century started building a new one that still stands today.

At first, it consisted of only walls, towers and wooden barracks and through centuries the castle got the shape that it has today.

Its purpose was to present an efficient defence against never ending Ottoman invasions, which were the most frequent in the 15th and 16th century. Peasant rebellions were not rare as well.  

After the fall of the Napoleon in 1815, when the castle worked as a military hospital, it was turned into a state penitentiary and functioned as such until the earthquake in 1895.

During the WWI it became a quarantine station for prisoners of war from Italian front, while during the WWII it faced fascist and Nazi occupation.

After the war ostracized citizens of Ljubljana lived in the castle until 1963 in terrible conditions. In the 70s the renovation began and today the castle is a popular tourist destination for home and foreign visitors.

To get to know more about Ljubljana Castle, welcome to book a guided tour

Ljubljana Castle – the crown of the city

 

 


Photo: Arne Hodalic

What to see at the Ljubljana Castle? 

You will be surprised to find out that you don’t have to pay anything to enter the castle courtyard, where you can relax by a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or a piece of cake. If you reach the top of the hill on foot, of course. If you prefer the comfort of the castle funicular railway, you will need to buy a ticket for that. 

The viewing tower with views from the top of the castle is for sure one of the Ljubljana Castle highlights. Descending from the tower do not forget to see a 12-minute-long documentary about the history of the fortress.

There`s a beautifully painted chapel underneath, an excellent Museum of Slovene History beside it, a Puppet Museum on the opposite side of the fort and a souvenir shop by the main entrance. 

You can visit numerous art exhibitions, which take place in different parts of the castle and are usually for free. 

Two Ljubljana Castle restaurants, one wine shop with a bistro, and a café compose culinary offer of the castle. While one (Gostilna na Gradu) restaurant is serving a really deliciously prepared traditional Slovenian food, the other one (Strelec) is for a bit deeper pockets and is run by one of the most prominent Slovenian chefs.

There is also jazz club at the Castle, wedding halls and historic halls accessible with a guided tour only.

LJUBLJANA CASTLE TOUR

Historic Ljubljana Castle Guided Tour 


Meeting point:
Krekov trg Square
When:
Daily (your choice)
Duration:
1,5 h

 

Welcome to book the tour of Ljubljana Castle!

The tour provides answers on very diverse questions about Ljubljana and Slovenian history as well.

You will get to know why the old Romans had their fort on the very same spot, who presented the biggest threat, what defence techniques they used for protection.

You will also see castle jails, beautifully painted medieval chapel, find out more about the castle renovation, see one third of the country from the lookout tower and also learn why a dragon is a symbol of the city and why St. George is its patron saint. 

Do not miss this time travel! 

Offering a spectacular view of the city and its far surroundings with the Alps, the Castle hill invites with its 3000 years of rich history.

PRICES

1 – 2 persons: 100 €
3 – 5 persons: 170 €
6 – 9 persons: 240 €
9 – 14 persons: 325 €
15 – 20 persons: 440 €
21 – 30 persons: 600 €


INCLUDED:
English-speaking tour guide
Castle funicular railway ticket
Castle entrance ticket
Viewing tower ticket

EXCLUDED:
Souvenirs, food, beverage

Follow what`s happening at the castle in the evening. You may find a nice concert, a dance event or an open air cinema in the summer time.

If you`re there on the start of September, don’t miss Medieval Days, which take place on the courtyard and around the castle.

To find out what`s on, visit Info Center of the castle.

HOW TO GET TO LJUBLJANA CASTLE? 

On Foot

There are many pathways leading up the hill, 10 – 15 min walking max.

The most popular is the one leading from the old town`s Stari trg (Old Square) or the one from the Central market.

Which ever you take, from which ever side, do not worry, you cannot get lost. They all lead to the castle. 

By Car

Despite the nice wide road leading up the hill, we suggest to drop the idea of coming up there by car.

As for now the road remains open but parking on Ljubljana Castle hill is officially forbidden. If you decide anyway, take the risk of getting a fine.

Please read more about parking in Ljubljana HERE

By Funicular

The funicular, running since Dec 2006, has the starting point on Krekov trg Square by the Ljubljana Puppet Theatre.

Running every 10 min or constantly if crowded and every day in compliance with the opening hours of the castle.


Funicular railway address:
 Krekov trg 4, 1000 Ljubljana

OPENING HOURS & CONTACTS

Ljubljana Castle Opening Times

  • Castle and funicular:
    January, February, March and November – from 10 am to 8 pm
    April, May and October – from 9 am to 9 pm
    June, July, August and September – from 9 am to 11 pm
    December – from 10 am to 10 pm
  • Info Center, Viewing tower, Virtual castle, exhibitions:
    January, February, March and November – from 10 am to 6 pm
    April, May and October – from 9 am to 8 pm
    June, July, August and September – from 9 am to 9 pm
    December – from 10 am to 7 pm

    Photo: Aljosa Rebolj

Contacts

Address:  Grajska planota 1, 1000 Ljubljana
Phone: +386 (01) 306 42 93
E-mail: info-center@ljubljanskigrad.si
Homepage: www.ljubljanskigrad.si

 

 

 

 

Photo: Arne Hodalic