Living Nativity Scenes in Postojna Cave

Every year for the almost three decades Postojna cave in Slovenia celebrates festive season with the special event – living nativity scenes. For five days in December, the magic underground world become a stage of Nativity story. This year I had a chance to marvel this unique Christmas event in person and it was unforgettable experience.

I’ve already been to Postojna cave many years ago and few months earlier I’ve visited Škocjan caves, which are similar. I was already familiar with the underground world of the caves of Slovenian Karst, but even though I decided to visit the underground world once again. This time, I didn’t learn about the geographical features of the cave, but I experienced the Biblical story of the Birth of Jesus set in a magical world of Postojna cave.

The majestic stalagmite

Getting to Postojna Cave is easy. After arrival to town Postojna, my husband and I just followed the well marked signs to Postojna cave. We parked our car at the large parking space and walked towards the ticket booth where we collected our pre-reserved tickets. As it turned out it was a wise decision to make a reservation. The event is very popular and there is only limited amount of spaces available for each of the daily tours. If we wouldn’t reserve tickets we most likely won’t be able to attend the event.

In Slovenian language is Postojna cave called Postojnska jama

From the ticket booth we walked to the entrance of the cave where the tiny Christmas market was held. We still had some time before the start of our tour, so we’ve strolled around and took a look what the stalls had to offer, petted the sheep and listened the choir performing Christmas carols.

Visit of Postojna cave begun, as usual, with the underground train ride. We drove past the festively illuminated stalactites, stalagmites and other features of underground cave. When we arrived at the station inside the cave, the train stopped and let us follow the visitors trail by foot.

We walked the five kilometres long visitors route, enjoying the beautiful setting of the cave, festive play of light, and performances depicting seventeen Biblical scenes, all accompanied by the harmonious music. There were angels, there were Joseph and Mary, there was baby Jesus, there were three Kings and many other characters from Nativity story. Event though I’m not religious, I enjoyed the performances very much.

The musical performances were my favourite part of the visit. The acoustic of the cave is superb. Listening singers sing Ave Maria, Silent night and Amazing grace in such a magical setting was amazing. It was truly unique and interesting Christmas spectacle.

Christmas tree inside the cave

Practical informations:

HOW TO GET TO Postojna Cave?

• By bus:
  Intercity buses are available from Ljubljana, Koper, Rijeka, Trieste and Nova Gorica.
• By car:
  At the the A1 motorway take the exit 41 for Postojna, then just follow the signs.

Expenses:

• Entrance fee: 23,90 EUR/person
• Parking fee: 4 EUR per car/day

Happy New Year!