The city of Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and its largest city with the population of roughly 300,000. Ljubljana is a people-friendly city and is categorised as a medium-sized European city that offers everything a metropolis does, yet preserves its small-town friendliness. Its geographical position in the centre of Europe has determined Ljubljana as a natural meeting place for merchants, soldiers and peacemakers.
Ljubljana was selected as the European Green Capital of 2016 and also offers more than 10,000 open-air events annually that are free of charge and highly important for the vibrant pulse of the city. Its cuisine is also part of the cultural scene and is frequently the main attraction for many visitors.
Places of interest
Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle, standing on a hill above the city for about 900 years, is Ljubljana’s main attraction. The castle’s Outlook Tower and ramparts offer some of the most beautiful views of the city, while the caste houses a museum exhibition on Slovenian history. It provides space for art exhibitions, café and two restaurants. It can be quickly reached by funicular railway.
Prešeren square
Prešeren square is named after the greatest Slovenian poet, France Prešeren (1800-1849). His poetry is a symbol of longing for love and freedom, which is why one of his poems became the national anthem. For the locals, Prešeren Square is the heart of the city, a meeting place where they celebrate cultural events and public holidays.
Triple Bridge
The central of the three bridges forming the Triple Bridge has stood in its place since 1842, when it replaced an old, strategically important medieval wooden bridge connecting the north-western European lands with south-eastern Europe and the Balkans. Between 1929 and 1932, the side bridges, intended for pedestrians, were added to the original stone bridge to a design by the architect Jože Plečnik, who thus created a unique architectural gem of Ljubljana.
Town Hall and Robba Fountain
Ljubljana’s Town Hall (locally referred to as Mestna hiša), is the seat of the Municipality of Ljubljana. It was built in the late 15th century by the master builder Peter Bezlaj. In front of the building stands one of the most representative monuments of Ljubljana, the Robba fountain with allegorical sculptures of the three Carniolan rivers: the Sava, Krka and Ljubljanica.
Kongresni square and Zvezda park
The site of the present Kongresni trg square was occupied by a small square already back in the Baroque period. The original square was thoroughly reconstructed for the 1821 Congress of the Holy Alliance and named after it. Its south end, the site of the former Provincial Mansion, where the Congress took place, is now occupied by the University of Ljubljana building. Not far away from it is the Slovenian Philharmonic building and next to it a Bidermeyer building housing the oldest Slovenian publishing house, Slovenska matica, established in 1894.
Dragon Bridge
The Dragon Bridge, adorned with famous dragon statues, appears in the most recognizable images of Ljubljana. If you haven’t been photographed next to a Dragon Bridge dragon, you can hardly claim that you have visited Ljubljana.
Tivoli Park and Jakopič Promenade
Tivoli Park is Ljubljana’s largest and most beautiful park, stretching right into the city centre. The Jakopič Promenade was designed by architect Jože Plečnik in the central part of Tivoli and has become a well known outdoor venue for exhibitions.
