Ljubljana
historical // Ljubljana castle
Interesting exhibitions and grandiose views
Ljlubljanski grad - One castle, many experiences | © ljubljanskigrad.si
Ljubljanski gradGrajska planota 1
1001 Ljubljana Tel. +386 1 306 42 30
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Ljubljana Castle (Grad Ljubljana) is the landmark of the capital and one of the top 10 sights in Ljubljana. Discover the joys of castle life.
Castles were usually the most beautiful vantage points, and Ljubljana Castle was no exception. Its cellars and storerooms were full of exquisite delicacies, and in its halls the best artists of their time performed. It is the same now. And yet there is a big difference: today, everyone who appreciates history, art and the pleasures of good things is welcome in the castle.
Once you have climbed the castle hill on foot or by cable car, a magnificent view opens up to the visitor. When the weather is fine, one can see a third of Slovenia from the observation tower.
Also waiting at Ljubljana Castle are fascinating exhibitions, a time machine with castle guides who bring history back to life, and for the youngest there are exciting adventures with the castle rat Friedrik. The various castle restaurants are perfect for an enjoyable lunch break or a leisurely afternoon coffee.
The castle scriptorium
When time stands still and loses its meaning, the castle scribe takes a calligraphic quill in his hand and takes you back in time many years. If you take a stroll through the castle and its rooms, you will come across the scriptorium - the castle's writing room (Monday to Friday, 10.00 - 17.00) in the castle chapel. Here you can learn about old scripts used by masters of the art of writing in the past and see initials, reproductions of old manuscripts, writing utensils and much more. You can watch the castle scribe at work, entrust him with your name and take away a nice souvenir. Here you will experience how beautiful and valuable the written word is.
The castle scribe will surely conjure up a nice souvenir for you with his quill | © ljubljanskigrad.si
Along the castle avenue
Take a walk along the horse chestnut avenue that connects the castle with the Šance fortification. The horse chestnut trees were planted in 1905 by the then Czech-born city gardener Vaclav Hejnic (1864 - 1929) and today it is an impressive walkway.
The castle vineyard
In the vineyard on the southern slope of the castle hill under the peak Orlov vrh, just a ten-minute walk from the castle, 1050 vines have been growing since 2016, when Ljubljana held the title of "European Green Capital", 500 of which are of the white variety Belpin (which is a Slovenian synonym for Chardonnay due to the crossing of the Belina and Pinot varieties) and 550 vines of the red variety Rdečegrajc (the name is a translation of the original varietal name Rotburger, which was renamed Zweigelt in 1975).
Mmmm, it smells so delicious
The way to the castle will also lead you to first-class culinary experiences. Indulge in freshly prepared snacks and tempting desserts in the castle café, discover first-class culinary delights in the pleasant ambience of the restaurant "Gostilna na Gradu" (Castle Inn) or the restaurant "Strelec" (To the Sagittarius). Turn an ordinary day into a highlight or celebrate a very special anniversary of your life on the top of the town. Visit the Castle Vinotheque, explore the rich selection of top local wines and toast to life. Cheers and bon appétit!
The castle restaurant Gostilna na Gradu was awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand rating | © ljubljanskigrad.si, photo Matic Kremzar/ Jezersek gostinstvo
Strelec Restaurant is one of the most renowned Slovenian restaurants | © ljubljanskigrad.si, photo Dean Dubocovic
The Castle Vinotheque, taste here best Slovenian wines | © ljubljanskigrad.si, photo Dean Dubocovic
The time machine
The history of the castle is varied and amazing. Through the centuries it played an important role and has remained the landmark of the city until today. Would you like to know more, but don't like normal guided tours? Then we recommend something completely different, which will let you experience history in a completely new way. Enter the time machine of our castle and be transported far into the past!
The time machine, an entertaining idea to discover the castle | © ljubljanskigrad.si, photo Dean Dubocovic
What awaits you? Instead of a guided tour, you can also get to know the castle through an experience. Step into the "time machine" and walk through six historical periods in which the castle as well as the city of Ljubljana experienced significant upheavals. A castle guide will accompany you to six time stations. In each of them, a personality of that era will greet you and tell you interesting facts about that time. An entertaining adventure, during which you will also learn a lot of new things.
Ljubljanski grad
A modern castle with a rich history