Predjama Castle

That’s right – found in Slovenia, this castle is famous for an explosive toilet murder! Supposedly, the lord of this castle was blown away by cannon fire whilst sitting on the toilet! His name was Erasmus of Lueg, and he was a knight and a robber baron. He became lord of Predjama Castle in the 15th century.

Erasmus of Lueg
Image by Marion Golsteijn, click here for photo licensing

How He Got A Price on His Head

After killing the commander of their imperial army, Erasmus became hunted by the famous royal house of the Habsburgs. Consequently, he fled to Predjama Castle and teamed up with the king of the area, Matthias Corvinus. And to make matters worse, he began attacking the Habsburgs’ estates and towns locally! Obviously, the Habsburgs grew increasingly upset. So, as a result, the Habsburg Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick III ordered Erasmus to be caught or even killed. Thus, the long siege began. For 366 days, Erasmus and the castle occupants held out!

How Did They Hold Out So Long?

Erasmus capitalized on a hidden passageway in the caves below (which can still be visited). It allowed him to sneak out through the top of the cliff and resupply the castle and its occupants with necessities. Also, through the passageway, he continued plundering the surrounding lands!

A Toilet-Murder Legend Is Born!

The legend goes that a castle servant betrayed Erasmus. Supposedly, the servant waited for Erasmus to use the toilet on one of the high floors facing the outside of the castle. Then the servant raised a flag and BOOM!! One shot from a cannon blasted Erasmus right off the toilet!

Murder Toilet
The Toilet of Murder!

Modern Day Legends Conflicting

Nowadays, Erasmus is the protagonist of many legends of the area. On one hand, he is glorified as a handsome, passionate, and honorable knight. While on the other hand he is depicted as a thief and an infamous robber baron who met his end on the other “throne”.

Some Other Tidbits About the Castle

This castle, built into the caves of the mountain, was first noted in the 13th century, making it over 800 years old! In the 16th century, after the long siege destroyed the castle (and ended in the toilet murder), the new owners completed its reconstruction. But alas, it was destroyed yet again, this time by an earthquake. In 1570, it was rebuilt again in the Renaissance style and has remained virtually unchanged to this day! The Lokva River still flows deep underneath the castle and caves. The only occupants left today are a colony of bats in the caves below!

River Lokva
Lokva River

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By Hannah

Hannah is a photographer/videographer who specializes in nature and wildlife content, research assistance (citizen science), and data collection. She is an avid hiker, birder, and Yelp Elite Squad member!

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