Almost 110 years ago, the castle became the property of the city of Ljubljana. In 1905, the mayor of Ljubljana, Ivan Hrybar, purchased it from the state authorities, giving it such status. Over many decades, the purpose of the castle has undergone changes, but the main purpose of this architectural monument has always been the cultural development of the local population and guests of the city.
Brief historical reference
The first references to the creation of a settlement on the hill refer to the youngest Bronze and Iron Ages, through the Roman period, up to the 13th century, when the so-called Spainheim Castle existed. The Spainheim family ruled for 150 years, and a year after the death of the last ruler, i.e. in 1270, their possession passed to the Czech king Ottokar II.
Having lost its defensive role in the middle of the 17th century, the castle served as a warehouse, barracks and military hospital, and from 1815 until the end of the Second World War – a prison.
In 1963, the reconstruction of the building began, which continues to this day. The castle hosts not only exhibitions and periodic cultural events, but also wedding ceremonies.
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Observation tower (Razgledni stolp)
The old wooden tower was replaced by a new stone one between 1845 and 1848. The completed tower housed a fire watchman who signaled a fire in the city. The modern Observation Tower was raised by 1.2 meters in 1982, so that the upper platform was exactly 400 meters above sea level. In 2009, the Observation Tower was restored again, in particular, the defensive walls were raised at the observation level. Currently, the tower no longer has a fire protection function, but it is a very popular sightseeing spot.
Visitors can climb to the upper level of the tower using the stairs or the elevator to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Ljubljana, the Ljubljana River and the mountains.
Tower of shooters (Stolp piskačev)
This is a structure that originally served as the entrance to the princely castle, and then was transformed into the Archers’ Tower. The original entrance was on the north side of the castle, equipped with a drawbridge and stairs on the east side. It was this entrance that was turned into the Archers’ Tower, first mentioned in 1544.
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Now it is home to one of the best restaurants in Ljubljana, the Strelec restaurant, which offers great culinary delights. Located in a restored medieval tower, the restaurant creates an elegant and original atmosphere.
Pentagonal tower (Peterokotni stolp)
Since the 16th century, the tower served as the main entrance to the castle yard and served to protect the castle from attacks from the south. Two openings have been preserved to this day, the larger one for carts and horses, the smaller one for people. A variety of rifle slits are also visible, as the fortress was adapted to the latest weapon projectile. On the upper floor was the residence of a wealthy citizen, the manager of the castle building.
The modern restored tower has an open roof. It is used for exhibitions, small concerts and theatrical performances.
Friedrich Tower
In the 15th century, two small living rooms with a combined staircase were arranged in the tower. It is known from archival records that they were used by the mistress of the castle; the rooms were heated. The restored premises radiate a medieval spirit, the connecting staircase with window borders between the floors has also been fully preserved.
Stanovska hall (Stanovska dvorana)
Stanovska dvorana today includes the former premises of the provincial governor. Architectural traces in the hall testify to the staged construction of the castle rooms, and the provincial governors from the Lamberg family contributed greatly to their creation. Mentions include: a mistress’s room, a large new room with a studio, a service room and a guard’s room. All rooms were heated, bedrooms were equipped with bathrooms. The former rooms are combined into a single space, which, together with an additional tract, forms the Residence. In 2008, the British Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh Philip had a gala dinner in this very hall.
Palace (Palacij)
The hall where the ruler held ceremonial receptions and banquets, and where he performed his duties as lord of the castle. During the reign of Herbert Turyashko (1528–1575), the place is described as a luxuriously decorated hall with a round table that seated twelve.
Hribar Hall (Hribarjeva dvorana in orožarna)
Hribar Hall, also known as the Armory, was named after the mayor of Ljubljana, Ivan Hribar. He became an honorary citizen of the city for his significant contribution to the construction of the city’s water supply system. This hall is the largest hall in the castle.
Castle chapel of St. Yuri (Grajska kapela sv. Jurija)
It is one of the oldest buildings of the castle. According to the imperial charter of 1489, it was dedicated to St. Yuri, St. Pancratius and Empress Helena. The original entrance to the chapel was located on the north side and is still in use. Later, an entrance from the south was added.
Note that paintings with secular content in church premises are rare, so the castle chapel can be considered a real European masterpiece.
Penitentiary (Kaznilnica)
It presents authentic architecture, equipment, conditions of detention and historical context of events, including a hologram of a prisoner. Some famous Slovenians were also imprisoned in this penitentiary, including the writer Ivan Kankar and the famous artist and cartoonist Hinko Smrekar.
The central courtyard of the castle (Grajsko dvorišče)
The central courtyard of the castle is surrounded on all sides and has impressive features. On the one hand, its huge area with a flat stone surface creates an ideal space for various events. On the other hand, it impresses with bright architectural details that give it a special character. Especially this yard becomes a great place for evening events in the warm months of the year, when it can be additionally illuminated, creating a comfortable atmosphere for guests. The area of the yard is leveled and has a characteristic irregular plan in the Gothic style.
White and blue hall (Bela in Modra dvorana)
Today, part of the medieval defensive walls is tilted and contains two halls on the first floor and a cafe on the courtyard level. Both halls were completely restored in 2014. Visually, the interiors of both halls are integrated into the historical surroundings of the castle, and their premises are open to the castle courtyard. In addition, there is a raised terrace on the first floor that offers a unique view of the courtyard. Halls have a multifunctional purpose.
Upper lapidary (Zgornji lapidarij)
The upper lapidary, renovated during the last renovation, is located below the inn on the grounds of the castle. This fascinating space impresses with its multi-level structures and the interaction of building materials with the geological structure of the soil, it also houses a high-quality presentation of a former well that used to serve as a secret exit from the castle.
Rock hall (Skalna dvorana)
According to the results of archaeological excavations, it was found that this hall existed only in the 16th and 17th centuries. At the beginning of the 19th century, this space was used for guards and prison managers.
Named after the impressive rocks that represent the geological structure of the castle hill, the Rock Hall has an entrance under the castle bridge and is accessed by a double spiral staircase. From this hall you can also get to the cafe-castle or the connecting lapidary above the railway. On weekends, he becomes the living heart of the Ljubljana Castle Jazz Club.
Erasmus Tower (Erazmov stolp)
Erasmus Tower, named after the knight Erasmus of Jamski, a famous robber from the Lugger family, served as a noble dungeon, according to archaeologists. Today, traces of carved coats of arms can be seen on the walls of the dungeon, about ten of them. One of these coats of arms probably belongs to Erasmus, although it is worth noting that Erasmus did not die in this prison, and probably used this dungeon as a refuge. Some carved coats of arms are accompanied by inscriptions and ancient signs dating from the middle of the 15th century.
Since April 2019, a permanent exhibition of the castle’s armaments is on display in the Erasmus Tower.
Dragon’s Lair (Zmajev brlog)
The dragon’s lair is located in the former armory of the castle. This semi-basement area, where the Dragon’s Lair is located, was probably built in the 16th century as a weapons store. Its location was strategically important, as it is next to the Pentagonal Tower, through which heavy weapons (pikes, falconets, cannons) were transported to the rocky plateau in front of the castle.
From 1999 to 2016, the Ljubljana Mini-Theater operated here. In 2018, the space was completely renovated and is used for various programs for children, such as themed workshops, holiday events and birthday parties.
Powder cellar (Smodnišnica)
The Powder Cellar, also known as the Powder Room, is located between the castle chapel of St. George and the Armory and is one of the earliest castle rooms, built in the 15th century. Archaeologically interesting is the discovery of two rooms, a kitchen and a living room (room) equipped with a fireplace for heating. A residential building in a typical Gothic style is located in a corner of the castle walls. The space was probably filled when a coal mill was built in the immediate vicinity for the manufacture of gunpowder. Today, these rooms on all levels are used for a permanent exposition of the history of Slovenia.
Dungeons under the open sky (Ječa na prostem)
The open air dungeons are known as an open air prison, located between the castle walls and the natural rock. You could get to these dungeons only from the level of the yard, lowering the prisoners to the depths with the help of a rope or chain.
In a small room, prisoners served their punishment, were chained around the bones. According to existing sources, prisoners such as captured Turkish soldiers, Protestants and rebel peasants were kept in this place. There was no roof in the room, instead there was only an iron grill over the heads of the prisoners.
Adult 12 euros, ticket + funicular 16 euros.
Children under 7 accompanied by parents are free, children (7–18 years), students, pensioners, groups of 15 or more 8.40 euros, with the funicular 11.20 euros.
Family: up to 2 adults and at least 1 child (7-18 years) 28.80 euros, with funicular 38.40 euros
*When purchasing a family ticket, you receive a family guide.
The price of this ticket includes access to all the contents of the castle: the virtual castle, the exhibition of Slovenian history, the museum of puppetry and the observation tower.
Children (7-18 years old), students, pensioners, groups of 15 or more one-way €2.30, with a return €4.50.
Family: up to 2 adults and at least 1 child (ages 7-18) €7.90 one-way, €15.00 return.
Lifehack! You can buy a ticket to go up and then walk down for free.
Tickets can be bought at the box office or on site of Ljubljana Castle.
Frederick the castle rat
Fridrik is a castle prison rat that has become a symbol and addition to the atmosphere of Ljubljana Castle. Living on Castle Hill, Fridrik knows every corner of the castle and is a kind of keeper of its secrets. Although he shares a name with Emperor Frederick III of Habsburg, famous for building the fortress, Frederick himself is a small but interesting character.
If you are lucky enough to meet him during your visit to the castle, Friedrich can tell you interesting stories or advise you on gifts in the castle shop. It will certainly give your trip around the castle an extra charm and an opportunity to learn more about its history.
Game “Frederick and the secret of the castle”
The castle invites you to take part in a family game – “Frederick and the Secret of the Castle”, this is an exciting family adventure that awaits you in the Ljubljana Castle. With the help of a family guide, you will be able to discover the secrets of this impressive castle and learn many stories related to its mysterious corners. Six challenges await you that will help you uncover the secret of the castle.
If you successfully pass all the tests, you will get the opportunity to learn the biggest secret of the castle from Frederick himself. This real mini-adventure will be remembered for a long time. Invite the whole family on this exciting exploration and enjoy the charm of Ljubljana Castle with the hero Frederik.
Cost:
You need to buy a family ticket: up to 2 adults and at least 1 child (7-18 years) 28.80 euros, with the funicular 38.40 euros.
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Castle kitchen
Your way to the Ljubljana Castle promises not only unparalleled views, but also magical culinary experiences that will unfold in the castle’s restaurants and cafes. Fresh salty snacks and sinfully sweet desserts are waiting for you in the “Castle” cafe, and in “Hostilna na Hradi” and “Strilets” restaurant you can enjoy the most luxurious dishes in the pleasant atmosphere of a medieval castle. It is the perfect place to celebrate special life events or just to brighten up an ordinary day. And if you’re looking for a wine cellar experience, don’t miss Grajska, where you’ll be offered a huge selection of exquisite local wines. So gourmets and lovers of the good life will be able to feel all the appeal of the castle kitchen and enjoy the charm of this unique place.
Strelec restaurant offers a witty combination of medieval and Slovenian traditional cuisine that interacts with modern inspiration. The whole concept of the restaurant at Stolp Strelec is designed in such a way to create an atmosphere where you can freely move from the present to the past.
Frederick’s Lock Shop
Located under the castle cafe, is a special place where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs related to the history and atmosphere of Ljubljana Castle. The products presented in the store are characterized by high quality and attractive design, and its concept reflects the character of Friedrich Castle.
WARNING! Children will want everything there, we came out with a whole package of various souvenirs from Frederik the rat :) Depending on the purchases, they can provide some souvenirs as a bonus, free of charge.
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