Ljubljana Castle is the capital's most famous and attractive landmark. Situated on a green-covered high hill in the old town, it is its visual centre, which can be admired from any point. If you climb up to the castle, you can admire the panorama of Ljubljana from there. You can walk to the castle on foot or use the funicular railway.
Watchtowers on the hill were built in Illyrian and Celtic times, and it is likely that the Romans also took advantage of the strategic position of the hill. The first appearance of a fortress on the site is believed to date back to the 9th century. In written sources, the first mention of it as a residence of the then rulers of the city appeared in the early 12th century. The devastating earthquake that struck Ljubljana in 1511 destroyed most of the fortress buildings. Some remained and have been carefully preserved over the centuries, such as the Chapel of St George (Jurij), built in the Gothic style at the end of the 15th century. On the first Sunday in January, pilgrims have been coming to this chapel for centuries to honour St. George.
The place from which the whole town can be seen was too important and the castle was rebuilt immediately after the earthquake. All the other buildings of the castle date from the 16th to 17th centuries. Interesting buildings include the Whistle Tower, where the servants used to inform the inhabitants of the town about fires and other incidents. The Watch Tower served the opposite purpose. Its servants had to warn the inhabitants of the castle about possible riots and impending assaults.
In different periods of the 19th century, the castle was first a military barracks, then a city prison. Until the middle of the 20th century it was a residential residence.
Nowadays, after restoration works, the castle has become a tourist attraction and a venue for various events and festivals.
The castle has been restored to its former glory.
