Predjama Castle

Predjama Castle, originally uploaded by MacIomhair.

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"DUNCAN: This castle hath a pleasant seat; the air
Nimbly and sweetly recommends itself
Unto our gentle senses.
BANQUO: This guest of summer,
The temple-haunting martlet, does approve
By his loved mansionry that the heaven's breath
Smells wooingly here. No jutty, frieze,
Buttress, nor coign of vantage, but this bird
Hath made his pendant bed and procreant cradle;
Where they most breed and haunt, I have observed
The air is delicate."
- Macbeth, Act I, Scene VI by William Shakespeare.

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Click here for an online guided tour.

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The castle was once the fief of a robber-baron who would taunt those besieging the castle by sending down fresh fruit to his enemies. This fruit was delivered through a network of secret caves above the fortress. A traitor, paid off by the enemy, advised those laying siege to Predjama that there is one place that even a King must go on foot, alone. When the laird went to the, you know, the the in the middle of the night, the traitor made a signal to the enemies who blasted the smallest room with cannon fire, killing the baron.

What can be seen today is the newer castle, an older one still exists behind the newer facade, delving deeper into the caves behind.