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.
Slovenia Pristine Nature

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.