Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljana

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Ljubljana castle is the city's premier tourist attraction, and draws the crowds all year round. It's hard to miss, sitting on a huge hill above the city center: a series of straight white walls sitting on a mountain of green forest. While its austere functional design might not be as stunning as castles elsewhere in the region, it offers incomparable views of Ljubljana and its beautiful locale in the cauldren of snow capped peaks and lush green forest.

Being such a prominent place by the city's lifeblood river, the castle's grounds have been used as a stronghold for centuries, probably as far back as Roman times. The current castle likely saw its foundations laid in the 10th century, but it has been rebuilt and renovated repeatedly over the years. Most of the current buildings date from 16th and 17th centuries, except for the Chapel of St George, which boasts a consecration date of 1489.

The castle is a steep walk up the back streets from the old town. The grounds are free to walk around, but if you want to enter the buildings, including the tower with the fantastic views, you'll need to spend about five euros in tolari.

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The first constructions of Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski Grad) began in the 12th century. Later, many reconstructions led to the castle's current silhouette, inculding a lookout tower from 1848.

Don't miss a visit to this lookout tower, as it offers panoramic views of the city and the Julian Alps in the background.

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Ljubljana Castle is perched on the top of a hill, which provided a superb vantage point from which to survey the surrounding landscape for marauding enemies. However, accessing this lovely spot can be problematic if you're physically challenged, the weather is unfavourable (probably worse in intense heat than in the rain) or are just plain lazy!

There are bus options, but by far the most interesting possibility is to catch the funincular railway that runs from just by the Dragon Bridge to the castle. The views on the way up are lovely and provide an unusual perspective on the historic city centre.

Thereafter I would suggest that you assuage your guilt at having taken the easy option by descending on foot - the stroll through the wooded grounds is glorious (especially if you take one of the paths as opposed to the road) and so much easier on the way down than the way up!

If you're here over a weekend, the Castle is a much favoured spot for wedding photography, and thus offers excellent opportunities for unobtrusive peoplewatching!

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The chapel is covered in frescoes and coats of arms of the Dukes of Kranjsk (or Carniola in English). It was built in 1489.

Opening hours to the castle:
October through April 10 AM till 9 PM
May through September 9 AM till 11 PM

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Ljubljana castle is very pretty, and clearly a big tourist draw. However, I found it rather difficult to navigate in the little time I had; the signing needs some attention, I think.

I did have a quick look in the chapel though, one of the oldest parts. Some bits of the 15th century wall-paintings still remain, and the ceiling is extremely decorative.

The problem is, for me, that the castle has been so rebuilt and restored and renovated over the years (centuries?) that it has lost much of whatever atmosphere it retained. Its use as an exhibition space/venue for weddings/conferences etc etc means that there is less historical interest than perhaps there might be.

This is, of course, and entirely personal opinion. Many will no doubt think otherwise.

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The castle is big, and high up on top of the hill, this will offer you a great view on the city.
It is made of grey stone with a dark roof that make a nice contrast for photos.
It have been restored few years ago and they now use it during the good season as a theater for concert and play. There is also a big exhibitions area where they always have something going on. When i visited in 2009 there was a photographer's exhibit about African refugee..

The visit costed 6 Euros for an adult in 2009.

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It is really a nice experience, the cable car take you right on top of the castle hill, the ride is short but the cabin is all made of glass so you have a nice view of the city while you go up.
It run quite often and it is convenient and cheap, I think it was 3 Euros rountrip each person.

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I climbed the hill to the castle almost as soon as I had arrived in the city, and although about 6pm it was still close to 30c!

It was worth it for the views. Not all parts of the castle were open, and I was too late for the funicular.

Apparently they have found signs of settlement going back to the 12th century BC, with fortification gating to the time of the Celts and Illyrians.

As a result of restoration, renovation and rebuilding over the centuries, the inside is an eclectic mixture of styles and periods.