Every city is first experienced by its landmarks. Ljubljana boasts a rich history and cuture. From what you can see in the capital of Slovenia, you will be able to deduce what the people of Slovenia used to live like, what their customs are like, and what is passed on from generation to generation. Even though Ljubljana has a lot of landmarks to offer, we will highlight some of the most visited an crucial ones.
A castle only seen in fairytales – The Ljubljana Castle. The number one place to visit when you are in Ljubljana is the Old Town – Ljubljana castle. It is located near the city center and you can reach it by foot. There is the most beautiful view of Ljubljana from this place. You can get to know history here and travel to the distant past. On a hill in the center of Ljubljana, Ljubljana's old town tells its medieval story of a fortress. In the Middle Ages it was the seat of the Carinthian princes Spanheim. According to some archaeological research, it is believed that people from 1.200 BC lived here and that the first settlements were built at that time.
The Dragon Bridge is a symbol of Ljubljana! The Dragon Bridge, according to the legend, tells about a fight of Greek mythical heroes and a monster Ljubljana dragon from the lake. You can see the symbol of the dragon today on the coat of arms and the flag of the city, and it is certain that you will also buy some dragon-shaped souvenir. The first reinforced concrete bridge in Ljubljana is the Dragon Bridge and it was the largest bridge in Europe in the period of construction from 1900 and 1907. There was a wooden Butcher's Bridge from 1819 on this place before the construction of the Dragon Bridge. It was damaged in the earthquake in 1985 and was replaced by today's bridge.
The square of meetings, songs and city events. A square where every romantic soul will recognize its significance - Preseren Square! We are used to seeing monuments to heroes from certain periods of history on the squares, and there is a monument to the poet France Preseren on the main square in Ljubljana, after whom the square was named. The poet wrote his works mainly in the Slovenian language and is considered a poet of European romance. A verse from his Wreath of Sonnets says: “These tear-stained flowers of a poet's mind, culled from my bosom, lay it wholly bare; My heart's a garden: Love is sowing there; Sad elegies each with my longing signed.
Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) is a stone bridge composed of three bridges from 1842, built on the site of a medieval bridge that connected the countries of northwestern Europe with the Balkans and southeastern Europe. Plečnik added two more pedestrian bridges to the central bridge between 1929 and 1932 which was used for vehicles before that, and thus created a unique bridge that adorns Ljubljana today and makes it even more attractive to tourists.
Tivoli Park is a city park that will capture your attention on the first encounter! Tivoli is the largest park in Ljubljana, and one of the most beautiful at the same time. It is the work of the French engineer Jean Blanchard. It was created in 1813 by merging the parks that were a part of Podturn and Cekin castles. Stunning greenery that spreads over 5 square kilometres provides an incredible atmosphere. It is adorned with large and numerous trees, beautiful fragrant flowers in all colors, walking paths, castles, statues and beautiful stone fountains. The park is home to rare and endangered animal species, especially birds.
