Castles, SLOVENIA
Airing Date: Aug 29th, 2005
Slovenia is a tiny country in the former Yugoslavia. It's a third of the size of Tasmania, but has more castles per kilometre than just about anywhere else in the world.
The capital city of Ljublijana is an easy going, very laid back university town. The town symbol is the dragon, and they don't let you forget it, with statues everywhere. There is even the Dragon Bridge where rumour has it, if a virgin crosses, the dragon will wiggle its tail.
With castles come history and this town is full of it. The Ljublijana Castle was built more than 500 years ago to protect the province from invaders, such as the Turks.
During the Second World War the tables turned and the castle was not used to keep the baddies out but instead to lock them up when it became the prison. It is now a tourist attraction and hasn't been a prison for over 40 years.
Predjama Castle was owned by a robber baron named Erazem. The castle itself dates back to the 1400's and is built into the side of a cliff with various secret passages and underground tunnels below the surface.
The owner's history here is perhaps just as intriguing as the castle itself. After being watched for months by his besiegers, he was finally caught with his pants down, so to speak, and killed by a cannon ball while sitting on the toilet.
The small Gothic church in front of the castle, 15th century frescoes and a Baroque altar are the castle's main attractions.
The Breziche Castle looks fairly plain form the outside, however the Duke who owned it sent one of his painters to Italy to copy their works, and the walls inside are beautiful, somewhat resembling Michelangelo's work on the roof of the Sistine Chapel.
The Otocec Castle is a more hands on castle experience, with guided tours held by a duke and duchess. After being re-built about 50 years ago, the castle is now a 5-star hotel, The Hotel Grand Otocec, with various activities for guests and visitors.
Willing participants can get in on the action of battles, archery and even medieval football.
Further information:
Thai Airways International to Frankfurt from $2025 ex east coast. Includes taxes and conditions apply.
Connections to Ljubljana with Adria Airways from $545 return. Includes taxes and conditions apply.
Contact Harvey World Travel on 132 757.
Ljubljana seven day tour starts from $2645 a person twin share. Includes accommodation, entrance fees, all meals and guide.
Contact Beyond Slovenia on 1300 55 75 01 or visit the website www.beyondslovenia.com
Prices correct at 29/8/05
