Across the Adriatic, some of the most memorable incentive venues were never built for events. They once served very different purposes. Some protected cities from attack, while others welcomed aristocrats, diplomats and merchants who shaped the region.
Today, their role may have changed, but their stories remain. And with every event, a new chapter is added.
A castle that survived a siege because its knight had a
secret way out
Predjama Castle in Slovenia is the world’s largest cave castle, built directly into a 123 metre cliff.
Its best known legend tells a story of the knight Erazem, who resisted a siege for more than a year. While his enemies waited outside, he used secret cave passages to move in and out of the castle freely.
Today, incentive groups can explore the centuries old rooms of Predjama Castle on a private VIP visit. After dark, candles and torches light the way through the castle, leading guests to the cave section where Erazem’s secret exit begins.
An island that welcomed queens, presidents and Hollywood star
For decades, Brijuni welcomed some of the most famous guests of the twentieth century. During the years when the islands served as Josip Broz Tito’s state residence, Queen Elizabeth II, Fidel Castro and Sophia Loren all came here, while world leaders gathered for meetings that shaped history.
Today, your group can arrive on the same islands for a reception or gala dinner, in a setting once chosen for royalty, presidents and distinguished guests from around the world.
A fortress with an American spy plane in its grounds
In 1957, an American military jet ended up in Albania after flying off course. It was soon labelled a “spy plane” and later put on display inside Gjirokastër Castle, where it remains to this day.
Your group can dine within the same fortress walls, with views across Gjirokastër and the Drino Valley. Between the panoramic setting and the unexpected Cold War story, this is an experience guests are unlikely to forget.
Did you know?
When Barbarossa attacked Kotor in 1539, Blessed Ozana is said to have stood on the city walls, inspiring the people of Kotor to hold their ground.
Centuries later, your group can experience this historic setting through a private event.
The original sphinx stands on the Peristyle of Diocletian’s Palace, brought from Egypt almost two millennia ago.
The same square still comes alive with special events, giving incentive groups a setting with ancient history in full view.
In the late eighteenth century, there were plans to demolish Ljubljana Castle and sell its stone as building material.
Today, your group can dine high above the city in the castle that almost disappeared.
When Nikola Tesla arrived in Belgrade in 1892, crowds filled the station, and officials greeted him with flowers. Later that day, he amazed professors by making lightbulbs glow wirelessly, without any physical connection to a power source.
Today, Belgrade houses the Nikola Tesla Museum, which holds his personal belongings, over 160,000 original documents, and his actual funeral urn.
A new chapter
The best events don’t just create memories. They become part of a story that began centuries ago.
With local teams across the region, Liberty Adriatic knows which historic places can genuinely work for your group and how to make the most of them. Perhaps the next chapter begins with your group.
