Travel with Julie

Lake Bled Cream Cake

One of the main reasons I wanted to visit the Lake Bled castle was for a taste of the infamous Bled Cream Cake I had heard so much about. Oh, am I glad I did!

This delicate puff pastry layered with light vanilla cream and custard is a dessert with origins dating back to the 18th century. The cake is so celebrated that it has recently been granted with a protected designation of origin status--meaning it can only be called Bled Cream Cake if it comes from the patisseries of Lake Bled.

The lucky number seven guides the preparation of the cake.  The puff pastry is folded seven times. The egg custard is cooked for seven minutes. Once assembled, baked and cooled, each cake is cut into seven-by-seven centimeter squares.

Slovenians take their cream cake very seriously. In fact, an annual festival is dedicated to this delicious confection. Try a slice on the patio of the castle or at the Park Hotel where you will find a drive-thru just for cake seekers.

 

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Why Go To Piran, Slovenia?

Before I knew anything about Slovenia or had even landed in Ljubljana, I was most excited about visiting Piran, a small picturesque village on the Slovenian coast. How could I not be excited? Red roofs, narrow streets, beautiful squares, fresh seafood and a gorgeous Mediterranean view--that has my name written all over it!

Piran has that laid-back Italian feel.  Not only because of its close proximity to the Italian border, but also because it has strong Italian roots. Piran was a part of the Venetian empire from the late 13th century to the end of the 18th century. It became part of Italy a second time from 1918 to 1947. While characteristically Piran may seem like every other Mediterranean town, there is one thing that sets it apart from all others: salt.

Image by Luka Crnic
Pure sea salt is produced in Piran.  Using the same traditional methods and tools that have been used for over 700 years, salt is still Slovenia's premier export. For that reason, salt is highly celebrated in Piran. Every year in April, the Festival of Salt is held to mark the beginning of a new salt-making season. At the salt pans, visitors can learn about the traditional salt production and visit the Museum of Salt-Making.

These salts have a flavor and texture that make them a prized ingredient among European chefs (and my kitchen, too).  You can purchase salt at the salt pans or in the salt shop Benecanka located in the pinkish building on the main square (the one with a single balcony). Since I mentioned it, take note of the pink building. Legend says that a rich merchant built it for his mistress. There is an inscription between the upper windows that translates "let them talk." This was his way of proving to her that she was more important than his reputation.

The main square is named after the famous European violinist Giuseppe Tartini, who also ran a music school in Piran. Looming over the square is St. George Cathedral.  It's worth the hike up the hill to see it and get a fantastic view of the village, as well as the bay where you can see Croatia in one direction, and Italy in the other.

Amidst the dreamlike atmosphere are some culinary wonders as well. Try the "Hugo," the town's signature drink.  It is a mix of elderflower liqueur and Italian prosecco. Another must is seabass. The Fonda fish farm located in the Piran Bay is known for producing the best farmed sea bass in the world. Top it with a little local olive oil and sea salt and the rest is history!

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Predjama, The Famously Haunted Castle

I've seen countless castles, and Predjama takes the cake for sheer awesomeness! Here is the shortlist why:

• It is built into a limestone cliff. Can you imagine how in the world that was done back in the 13th century?
• It was owned by a knight with a not-so-fortunate, if not embarrassing and satirical end (more on that below).
• It is confirmed to be haunted according to Ghost Hunters International. In a 2008 episode, the show found paranormal activity--if you believe in that kind of stuff. While it is business as usual during the day, even employees of the museum make sure to exit before sundown!

Predjama castle was the family estate of Knight Erazem, a Slovenian Robin Hood. Except, according to my guide, instead of robbing the rich to give to the poor, he would rob the rich and most often keep the money for himself. Needless to say, he was not a popular man.

For a year, Erazem was kept captive in his fortress by his enemies who planned to starve him to death since the castle had only one apparent entrance. They could not figure out how Erazem managed to get food and supplies for so long without anyone noticing. Unbeknownst to his foes, there was a secret cave network leading from the castle all the way to Postojna. Erazem came in and out of the castle as he pleased.  

Things changed, however, when one of Erazem's servants was bribed to betray his master.  The servant was to announce to the troops when Erazem was in the toilet which was at the upper level of the castle.  With one cannonball aimed at that exact spot, Erazem died.

Erazem was buried in the village next to the church St. Mary of Sorrows. Here you will find a struggling ancient lime tree. Legend says Erazem's girlfriend planted this tree on his grave as a symbol of eternal life.  Today, Slovenian people view the lime tree as a symbol of life, health, wisdom and justice.

One last claim to fame: Jackie Chan climbed the Predjama cliffs while filming Armour of God in 1986.

Between May and September, visitors are allowed inside the cave under the castle.  There is no electricity in the cave, so visitors are given battery-powered lights and helmets before entering.

On the walk to and from the castle, you will pass a tournament field where knights once competed. Every July, this medieval tournament takes place as it did hundreds of years ago. 

 

Planning a trip to Europe? Click here to find out how I can help make your vacation a unique postcard in your travel scrapbook!