The story of Ljubljana Castle

People have lived on this hilltop continuously since 1200 BC, first in settlements and later behind fortifications. The first castle was probably a wood and stone fortress of the 11th century, and its first written mention dates from between 1112 and 1125. In the 15th century it was almost completely rebuilt, with a wall, towers and a drawbridge at the entrance, as well as St. George's Chapel.

Later it served as an arsenal, barracks and prison; the Slovene writer Ivan Cankar was among its prisoners. From the Viewing Tower, dating to 1848, a guard once fired cannons to warn the city of fire or to announce important visitors.

In 1905 the city bought the castle for 60,200 crowns, and poor families lived here until 1963. Renovation began in 1970. Today you can ride up on the funicular, which opened on 28 December 2006 and climbs 69.70 metres. And look for this castle on the city's coat of arms, with a dragon on top.