Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle is a fortress in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. It is located on a high hill in the historic center of the city, and can be seen from almost anywhere in the city. There are many other paths leading to the castle, and from Krekova Square you can take the funicular (daily every 10 min; same opening hours as the castle, for a fee).
Video: Ljubljana Castle
General Information
Although there has been a castle on this site since the Middle Ages, you will now see it rebuilt after the earthquake of 1511. For centuries, the castle was the residence of the local rulers. It served as an army barracks, a prison and a shelter for the poor. Now the castle has been restored and is a popular tourist attraction.
.Now the Ljubljana Castle is a complex of strong fortress walls, several buildings and towers. Noteworthy and preserved from the late 15th century chapel of St. George, where the saint is still honored on the first Sunday of January.
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Nowadays you can find a lot of interesting things on the territory of Ljubljana Castle: in the courtyard of the castle there is a restaurant, near the entrance there is the Rustic Gallery, where you can buy or simply admire wonderful works of local craftsmen, further, in the tower, there is the Virtual Museum, where you can get acquainted with the history of the castle and the city. It is noteworthy that the entrance to the castle is free – you have to pay only for a visit to the museum (5 euros for adults and 2 for children).
.Also on the territory of the castle in the warm season there are constantly held various cultural events: in the evening you can watch a theatrical performance, concert or screening of non-commercial cinema. At the beginning of September, a festival of medieval culture is held here. On Saturdays and Sundays you can witness a luxurious wedding ceremony on the castle grounds, for which medieval-style halls are available for rent.
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During the warm season, guided tours of the Ljubljana Castle are offered daily at 10.00 and 16.00, which will tell you all about the history of the castle. Guided tours at other times are also possible, but by prior arrangement. The duration of the excursion is on average 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cost of the excursion is 6 euros for adults and 3.5 euros for children. The most interesting way to get to the castle is by tourist train, which leaves every hour from Stritar Street in the city center.
.From June to mid-September, the castle hosts concerts of the Ljubljana Summer Festival (www.ljubljanafestival.si). But the most interesting thing is the climb to the 19th century observation tower (9.00-21.00 in summer, 10.00-18.00 in winter), which offers a stunning view of the terracotta roofs of the city and the Julian Alps. A staircase of 150 steps leads up to the platform – but your efforts will be rewarded. Under the tower is the virtual museum (same opening hours, entrance fee), where you can learn about the history of the city in 20 min.
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