Ljubljana for beginners

Ljubljana is a charming European city, which is known for its architecture, greenery and specific atmosphere…

Ljubljana has 300,000 inhabitants and is located in the center of Slovenia, between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, which makes it an ideal destination if you want to explore those locales as well.

Here are suggestions on how to make the most of one day in Ljubljana.

Ljubljana is a real joy for tourists because all the attractions are located in a small area close to each other so you can reach and achieve everything in one day.

The city center is an enchanting mix of buildings from various eras such as baroque, art nouveau and art deco style.

Now there are galleries, cafes and boutiques here.

However, it should be kept in mind that it’s not all about discovering sights, but also immersing yourself in the city’s rhythm and atmosphere.

The Ljubljanica river flows through the city, changing its name seven times on its way to the city.

This is because the river disappears and reappears many times during its course. The population of various regions gave a new name each time, considering it as their river.

The incredibly green and clean river Ljubljanica is crossed by a series of bridges built in various styles.

If you want to experience Ljubljana in a different way, you can do so thanks to the small boats that take you under all the bridges.

The bridges with the surroundings have been transformed into a pedestrian zone studded with cafes tucked into rich greenery and hidden places to sit.

The most famous bridge in Ljubljana is Tromostovlje. These are actually three connected bridges, which represent the symbol of Ljubljana.

The central bridge was built in the first half of the 19th century, and later the famous architect Jože Plečnik added one on each side, and that’s how Tromostovlje was created. Plečnik left an indelible mark on the present-day appearance of the city and his works can be found all over Ljubljana.

There is also the Plečnik market, which follows the course of the river.

Ljubljana was once known as the Roman city of Emona, but today dragons are a symbol of Ljubljana. According to legend, the famous Jason and the Argonauts killed a dragon in the Ljubljanica River and thus saved the city from terror. At some point, the dragon changed from a terrorist to a protector of the city and is now found in many places in the city, including the second most important one, the Dragon Bridge.

That is why the most important souvenir in Ljubljana is in the form of a dragon.

The most important square in Ljubljana is Prešeren square.

The inhabitants of Ljubljana proudly point out that their city is one of the few, which has a monument to a poet, not a politician or a military leader, in the very center.

Before the monument to the greatest national poet of Slovenia found its rightful place on this square. The square was named after the Franciscan church, until the 20th century, when it was renamed Prešeren Square.

When the monument was unveiled, a real scandal broke out in Ljubljana, as Prešeren’s muse Julia was shown bare-breasted — which church officials and art lovers at the time considered unacceptable. Even the Archbishop of Ljubljana demanded that the monument be removed, some, a little smarter people, ignored this request and luckily the monument remained as it is.

Being right in the center, the square is the perfect gathering place.

It is part of the pedestrian core and is full of charming architecture. Pay attention to the building behind the Prešeren monument. It is the Main Pharmacy, built at the end of the 19th century.

You can use the city’s electric tourist cart called “Kavalier”, a small ecological means of transport, which will take you to other attractions of Ljubljana.

No matter where you are in Ljubljana, you will almost always have a view of the Ljubljana castle, which rises on a hill above the city center.

This medieval fortress offers a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. You can reach the fortress on foot, by cable car, and once there, you can explore the city walls, prisons and museums, or have a coffee. Over the centuries, the castle was demolished and reconstructed several times, and today it is one of the main tourist attractions. Here they organize numerous concerts, exhibitions, theater performances.

I climbed once too. I don’t recommend it. There is no place with a view of the city, and I can get a drink elsewhere for less.

There is a much better solution for this, and that is Nebotičnik, a building on the 12th floor of which there is a cafe and an observation deck.

The skyscraper is a few minutes away from Prešeren Square. By the way, at the time of its construction, in 1933, with its height of 70 m, the skyscraper was the tallest building in the Kingdom of Yugoslavia.

Take the spacious elevator to the top.

A person in a wheelchair will have to climb two more steps to reach the viewpoint, but the staff is very helpful and will be happy to help.

From here you have an unobstructed view of all four sides of Ljubljana from a bird’s eye view.

The only thing that can bother you is that you are forced to look at everything through the glass, which is exposed to atmospheric conditions and is not the cleanest, but I consider that a small price to pay and so I happily drank my lemonade.

Very close to this skyscraper is the Opera building, which is also a decoration of the city.

In the very center of Ljubljana is the city cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors.

It was built in the 18th century on the site of a former place of worship from the 12th century.

With its two towers, it represents another important feature of the city.

During the visit of Pope John Paul II, sculptor Mirsad Begić made a side door with statues of six Ljubljana bishops.

From there, all roads lead to the Mestna Square, where there is another Ljubljana attraction, the Slave Fountain, or Fountain of the Three Rivers.

This fountain is the work of the 18th century Italian sculptor Francesco Robba. Due to the long process and expensive materials, Francesco almost went bankrupt.

The three Carniola rivers, Sava, Krka and Ljubljanica, are represented on the fountain, and since it was modeled on Roman fountains, there is also an obelisk.

It should be noted that the fountain, which today stands in front of the City Hall building, is in fact a replica, since the original fountain was moved to the nearby National Gallery after restoration.

If you continue your walk through Ljubljana, you will cross the very interesting-looking Cobbler’s Bridge in one stop.

The Cobbler’s Bridge used to look much different before Plećnik redesigned it. It was covered with beams and since it was located in the area where there are shoe shops, that’s how it got its name.

After a further walk, you will come across the New Square, which is decorated with this fountain.

Conclusion

You can end your walk in Ljubljana in Tivoli Park or in one of the restaurants.

In Ljubljana, you can order anything you can think of, but wherever I travel, I order homemade. Sausages and strukles are what I wanted to end this beautiful day in a city with an impossible name.