Slovenia: The Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana reminds me of Prague, and the more I think about it, the more I realise it is because of its medieval castle crowning the city.

The inner courtyard of the Ljubljana Castle. This is a public area, people can come here and go.

Ljubljana Castle
Website: Ljubljana Castle

There are not many capital cities in Europe that has a fortress right in the middle of the old town centre, sitting proudly on top of a hill and serving as the backdrop setting of the city. You tend to usually get this kind of scenery in smaller cities and towns but not in a capital city.

Now that I have brought this up, the following capitals that I have been to with a similar backdrop such as Ljubljana (Slovenia) are (1) Prague (Czech Republic) and (2) Edinburgh (Scotland – it is technically a country under a United Kingdom).

You can go by car or walk on foot to the castle, but there is also a modern lift available from the old centre which is located across the city’s Central Market. The castle is free to visit, however the lift, not. Tickets are sold at the lift entrance. There are shops, cafes and restaurants, offices, as well as function-event rooms in the castle. It is a popular place to hang out by the locals.

I came here at the end of the day because I want to see the transitioning of the city from day to night. From natural daylight panoramic views of the city to seeing the glitter of the evening lights. It is beautiful. Ljubljana is beautiful from up the castle.

Check out my pictures:

The view from the lift. The big square is the Ljubljana Central Market (which was already closed at this time when the picture was taken).

The castle was used as a penitentiary for criminals as well as political prisoners back in 1815 for the Habsburg dynasty. During the outbreak of World War I, prisoners of war were received here and the castle gradually turned into a quarantine station camp.

For a fee you can go up the tower (see with the flag) and catch panoramic views of the city. 

The inner courtyard is a popular hang area for locals, many of them students. When I was there I witnessed a group practicing their dance.

There are cafes, restaurants, shops and even offices inside the castle. I managed to even smuggle myself into a corporate event in one of the function rooms in the castle. I was just curious.

Hmm, I can feel the romance in the air =)

It is a nice place to just hang. I highly recommend the castle. It is free anyway to get in.

A fine-dining restaurant inside the castle that I wanted to dine at but I realised that it will be late when I finish dinner here so I let it go. The lift is only open until 19:00 and I did not want to walk back down to the city alone. Although Ljubljana is a safe and small city, I never underestimate safety, especially at night.

The views from the castle is just splendid, especially at night with the lights.

The Preseren Square and the Triple Bridge (you can only see 1 bridge though in the picture).

The Congress Square and Park Zveda. My hotel is located on the right corner from the park; very central which I like.

I managed to catch the last lift down! Hallelujah =)

The Ljubljana Castle from the Triple Bridge in the old town centre.

Travel Period: March 2014
Destination: Ljubljana, Slovenia

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