Friderik and the Dragon

Long before the castle we know today existed, a great dragon flew to the hill above the city. He was constantly hungry and in a bad mood, growling and snoring so loudly all night that the townspeople couldn't sleep. In addition, he was insatiable.

To solve the problem, the mayor of Ljubljana called on all brave young men to drive the dragon away from Castle Hill. They tried various methods, but without success. But when the mayor's daughter, Margaret, tempted the dragon, they sent Frederick, the castle rat, to find the famous knight George.

A puppet show, based on the well-known legend of Saint George and the Dragon and the adventures of Frederick described in Žiga X. Gombač's picture book Friderik, zmaj, cesarica in legionar (Frederick, the Dragon, the Empress, and the Legionary), will transport children into the mysterious world of Ljubljana Castle. They will discover the role Castle Hill played, how Saint George became the patron of Ljubljana, and where on the castle a chapel dedicated to him stands. The best castle guide, Frederick the rat, who has resided at the castle for centuries, will defeat the terrible dragon with the help of the knight... All this in a playful and fun tabletop puppet theater style.

Production Team

Director: Irena Rajh

Screenplay and Dramaturgy: Anže Virant

Visual Design based on illustrations by: Gorazd Vahn

Story: Žiga X. Gombač

Puppet Technology and Scenography: Marjan Kunaver

Scene Painting and Puppet Making: Marina Hrovatin, Alevtina Ainutdinova

Music: Nino de Gleria

Costume Design: Iztok Hrga

Acting and Animation: Anka Eržen and Jure Rajšp

Duration: 40 minutes

The show is suitable for children aged three and up.

Special Mission

Frederick is preparing a very special surprise! For all his loyal friends, he has planned a fun mission for the September 2025–April 2026 season: you will need to visit at least six puppet shows and diligently collect Frederick's stamps. A special gift, carefully chosen by Frederick—with a little help from his castle friends—awaits you at the end!

Frederick is eagerly waiting for you to join him on his castle adventures and create unforgettable memories!

Tickets and Information

Ticket sales: Ljubljana Castle sales points, the funicular's lower station, www.ljubljanskigrad.si, and all www.mojekarte.si sales points. Seating is limited. For more information, call 01 306 42 93 or email info-center@ljubljanskigrad.si.

We recommend taking the funicular for a visit to the puppet show. When you purchase a ticket, you get a discounted price on a return funicular ticket.