Ljubljana
full of culture, history and an abundance of good restaurants
Ljubljana, home to only ten per cent of Slovenia’s population of two million, is full of culture, history and an abundance of good
restaurants with their tables spilling out onto its three main squares. At night, we viewed the illuminated medieval hill-top castle and
relaxed along the riverside in one of the bars and restaurants.
In 2014 Ljubljana celebrated 2000 years since it became an important Roman settlement along a trade route from the Mediterranean
coast.
Ljubljana Castle
Standing on a hill 60 meters above the old town, Ljubljana castle is
by far the most prominent structure in town. With views of the old
town below and a vista towards the Alpine mountains 22 km to the
north, a visit to the castle is a definite must. It’s a leisurely walk up
the hill to the castle or you can walk south-east from Presernov trg
to Krekov trg and board the funicular at Grajska Planota 1.
Ljubljana Castle's foundations date back to Celtic times, but what
you see today originated after the 1511 earthquake. Highlights
include the older St. George's Chapel (1489) and a 19th century
lookout tower. Once it ceased being used as a defensive fortress in
the 17th century, the castle served military, prison, storage and
residential purposes.
Within the castle, there are exhibitions, shops, a café and a
restaurant. Entry to the castle grounds is free but it’s 5 euros to
climb up the tower to see the better views of the old town.
However, there is another lower viewpoint up some stairs on the
NE castle wall, accessible for free.
Three Bridges
The Triple Bridge is probably the most unusual and the most
frequently crossed bridge in Ljubljana. It connects the main square
and a newer part of town with the Old Town and the market.
It got its final image in 1931 when Joze Plecnik added the side
pedestrian bridges to the existing main one - hence the three
bridges. It offers a view of the river, Old Town, main square and the
market.
Preseren Square
Preseren Square, on the new town side of the Three Bridges has a
statue of France Preseren, Slovenia's most famous poet. Preseren
Square is surrounded by beautiful buildings such as the pink 17th
century Franciscan Church, the oldest department store in
Ljubljana- a beautiful art nouveau building with a statue of the god
Mercury on its roof and a lovely ornate staircase inside.
There are also several beautiful ornate and colourful buildings such
as Hauptmann House, built in 1873.
Dragon Bridge
The Ljubljana dragon is part of the City of Ljubljana’s coat of arms.
It symbolises strength, courage and might. It is depicted on the
Dragon Bridge and on top of the castle tower on Ljubljana’s coat of
arms. Dragon bridge, designed by architect Jurij Zaninović, is
known and named for its dragon statues.
Originally intended to be named the "Jubilee Bridge" in honour of
Hapsburg Emperor Franz Josef's 40th anniversary of rule, the
name quickly changed.
Central Market
Flanking the river is Joze Plecnik’s magnificent colonnaded Central
Market. It was designed by Jože Plečnik in 1931–39 and extends
from the Triple Bridge to the Dragon Bridge.
National and University Library
(NUK)
This is probably Plečnik's greatest single work in Ljubljana - an
extraordinary composition of contrasting textures and concepts,
NUK was completed in 1941.
Built on the site of a Baroque palace destroyed in the earthquake, it
was itself hit by an airplane during the war, but survived.
Tivoli Gardens
The 5 sq km Tivoli Park is Ljubljana's largest park, stretching right
into the city centre. It was designed in 1813 by the French engineer
Jean Blanchard and created by joining together the parks which
had surrounded Podturn and Cekin Mansions. The park is crossed
by three horse chestnut tree-lined walks and landscaped with
ornamental flower beds, interesting trees and numerous statues
and fountains. Next to the fish-pond there is a small botanical
garden.
