Where is Ljubljana located? City of Ljubljana: details about the capital of Slovenia. Ljubljana - the charming capital of a small country

Little Ljubljana is not yet particularly popular among tourists. Indeed, if you come here after visiting the sights of Paris or Vienna, you may get the impression that there is absolutely nothing to see in the capital of Slovenia. But this is absolutely not true. Residents of the city are distinguished by their cordiality and hospitality, and the historical buildings, churches and squares are in no way inferior memorable places promoted European capitals.

It’s best to start exploring the city from Prešeren Square, the Old Town and Ljubljana Castle. Then you should visit local museums and enjoy the beauty of nature in Tivoli Park. A complete impression of Ljubljana will be formed after visiting the Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. Finally, you should definitely check out the city’s central market.

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What to see and where to go in Ljubljana?

The most interesting and Beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

Compact Old city located in the very heart of Ljubljana, it can be easily explored on foot. Here is one of the recognizable symbols of the capital of Slovenia - the Triple Bridge in the Venetian style, from which roads diverge in different directions. The streets of the Old Town are tiled in classic European traditions. In well-groomed stone houses There are souvenir shops.

A small square in the center of Ljubljana, which is connected to the Old Town via the Triple Bridge. She was named after the Slovenian poet Franz Prešern. Despite its modest size, the square is quite picturesque. It is surrounded by mansions of the early 20th century; in the middle there is a romantic monument to the poet by sculptor I. Zayets. Lovers usually make dates near the monument.

A medieval fortress from the 12th century located on a hill. In the 15th century, the castle was almost completely destroyed and rebuilt. Since then, it served as a defensive fortification and protected rulers from Turkish raids and peasant uprisings. During the Napoleonic Wars, the complex again suffered significant damage. After another restoration until the beginning of the 20th century, it was used as a prison.

In 2006, a road was built to the top of the mountain on which Ljubljana Castle stands. cable car and the funicular was launched. Its lower station is located on Kreka Square, the upper one is on the territory of the castle. The cable car covers a distance of several tens of meters to the top of the hill in one minute. The carriage can accommodate up to 25 people. If you have time to take a place near the glass wall, you can take panoramic photographs of Ljubljana.

The Triple Bridge is a whole ensemble of three pedestrian bridges spanning the Ljubljana River. It is located in the historical center of the city. Previously, there was a wooden crossing in its place. The first stone structure appeared in the middle of the 19th century. In the 20th century, two additional wings were added to it, and the result was the Triple Bridge. Until 2007, trams and buses ran here.

A reinforced concrete bridge over the Ljubljana River, around which many urban legends are built. The structure is guarded by figures of stone dragons. The dragon is a recognizable symbol of the capital of Slovenia, which can be seen on the city coat of arms and bas-reliefs of some buildings. The Snake Bridge was built in 1901 to replace an old wooden structure. The construction was led by an engineer from Austria J. Melan.

Probably, in every city there is a special place where lovers come to leave an iron lock - a symbol of the indestructibility and strength of feelings. In Ljubljana, the Butcher Bridge became such a place. Despite the unromantic name, for some reason it attracted couples. At first, the city administration tried to get rid of numerous castles, but then the authorities finally reconciled.

The museum was founded in 1821. Thanks to the personal participation of the Austrian Emperor Franz II in financing, it quickly turned from a provincial exhibition into a full-fledged gallery. Today it is considered one of the main museums in Slovenia. Collections are kept here archaeological artifacts, objects of applied art, engravings, coins, drawings and other valuable exhibits.

Main Art Museum countries. It was founded in 1918 after the formation of a united kingdom of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs from the ruins of the collapsed Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1896, the collection moved to the building where it is still located. The gallery's exhibition presents works by Slovenian and European masters who worked from the Middle Ages to the beginning of the 20th century.

The collection appeared in Ljubljana in the 1960s. It is located in a former boiler house. In the museum, visitors will see vintage railway locomotives and other vehicles, as well as various devices for transmitting messages: telephones, radio stations, telegraphs. Rare steam engines are exhibited separately. The exhibition occupies small area, but it will certainly be of interest to tourists.

The real pride of Ljubljana is the capital Opera theatre. The building was erected in the neo-Renaissance style according to the design of the Czech masters A. Hruby and J. Grasky. The façade is decorated with monumental Ionic columns and statues of muses. The stage received its first visitors in 1892. After a recent restoration, the acoustics of the hall were significantly improved, thanks to which the masterpieces classical music sounded in full force.

The temple is located on Prešeren Square. It is impossible to pass by it, as its pink façade stands out clearly against the background of other buildings. The church was erected in the 16th-17th centuries. At first it belonged to the Augustinian monks, but then passed to the Franciscans. The building was built in a classic Baroque style. It was rebuilt several times, but architectural appearance remained unchanged.

The cathedral in honor of the patron saint of fishermen, St. Nicholas, was erected in the 18th century according to the design of the Italian architect A. del Pozzo. Previously, a medieval basilica stood on the site of the temple. Work on the interior continued into the 20th century (in particular, J. Plečnik created a magnificent Baroque altar). The dome of the cathedral is visible from almost anywhere in Ljubljana, so finding the way to it is quite easy.

An 18th-century Catholic church considered one of the most picturesque attractions in Ljubljana. Like many other buildings Slovenian capital, the church was built by an Italian architect. The temple is made in the Baroque style; it is distinguished by a fancifully curved roof and a facade decorated with massive columns. Inside is an African marble altar created by F. Robb.

A tall 13-story building in the center of Ljubljana can only conditionally be called a skyscraper. It reaches a height of 70 meters. The structure was erected in the 1930s. Local architects were inspired by the rapidly growing American high-rise buildings and decided to create something similar in Ljubljana. On one of the top floors there is Observation deck, from where it opens panoramic view to the city.

The Ljubljana City Council building was erected at the end of the 15th century. gothic style and restored in the 18th century, giving it more modern features of the Baroque style at that time. In the courtyard of the town hall there is the Narcissus Fountain by F. Robb and a monument to one of the mayors of Ljubljana, I. Hribar. Opposite the building there is another fountain called “Rivers of Carniolia”.

The market is located on the territory of the Old Town. Like all over the world, tourists come here for local delicacies in the hope of feeling the national flavor. The architect E. Plečnik worked on the design of the market building. They sell fruits, herbs, vegetables, spices and local products. The market is surrounded on all sides by attractions. Considering small sizes the historical center of Ljubljana, you won’t be able to pass by it.

The city zoo is located closer to the outskirts of Ljubljana. It occupies approximately 20 hectares of area in the forested area of ​​Tivoli - Rozhnik - Sishenski Hill. As in many European menageries, zoo animals live in comfortable conditions and do not feel like prisoners in cramped enclosures. IN summer time children can take part in interesting and educational activities organized by zoo staff.

Tivoli Park appeared in Ljubljana at the beginning of the 19th century. It was laid out according to the design of J. Blanchard. At that time, the modern territory of Slovenia was part French provinces. In addition to natural beauty, the park has several interesting man-made attractions: the 17th-century Tivoli Castle, the Tsekin mansion, built in the 18th century, and the modern Sports Palace with two stadiums.

The water artery flows through the territory of Slovenia. Its length is only 41 km. The capital of the country got its name thanks to the Ljubljanica River. Among local residents Fishing is quite popular, as the river is home to pike, trout, perch and other game fish. In addition to practical functions, the river also performs decorative ones - it gives the capital of Slovenia a more picturesque appearance.

Ljubljana (Slovenia) is the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Ljubljana with descriptions, guides and maps.

City of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

Ljubljana is the capital and The largest city Slovenia, located on the banks of the Ljubljanica River in a picturesque valley. It is the main cultural, transport and economic center of the country, home to almost 300 thousand people. Ljubljana is one of the smallest and most cozy European capitals. Here you will not find world famous attractions, but there are interesting monuments history and architecture: old lock(Grad), ancient and medieval buildings, baroque ensembles of the 17th-18th centuries.

Ljubljana - charming green City, one of the most convenient and comfortable to live in Europe. The Ljubljanica River with emerald water flows through the center of the capital of Slovenia, past baroque buildings and under the ramparts of an ancient castle. The historical core of the city is located on the eastern side of the river, new town- on the western. The river is crossed by many picturesque small bridges.


Story

The first settlements on the territory of modern Ljubljana existed approximately 4,000 years ago. In the 10th century, the territory of the city was inhabited by the Veneti, later the Celts came.

In antiquity, a Roman settlement was founded here - Emona. Thanks to its favorable location at the crossroads of routes connecting the Danube and the Adriatic, the settlement quickly grew and developed. The Roman city was located at the foot of the castle hill on the right bank of the Ljubljanica River. The settlement was surrounded by a six-meter wall with 29 towers. The Romans also brought to Ljubljana all the benefits of ancient civilization: stone houses, public baths, running water and sewerage. In the 4th-6th centuries after the collapse of the Roman Empire, the city fell into decay. It was captured by barbarians and Lombards. It got to the point that the city was practically deserted, and only ruins reminded of the once fairly large settlement.

At the beginning of the Middle Ages, the territory of Ljubljana was first under the rule of the Avars, and later of the Franks.


The first written mentions of Ljubljana date back to the beginning of the 12th century. Around this time, an ancient castle was built on the hill - Grad. Medieval Ljubljana developed under the castle on east coast Ljubljanica River. In the second half of the 13th century, the city came under Bohemian rule, and at the beginning of the 14th century - the Habsburgs. At this time, Ljubljana received a name in the German manner - Laibach.

At the beginning of the 16th century, after the earthquake, the city began to be rebuilt in the Renaissance style, and a new fortress wall was erected.

At the end of the 19th century, another major earthquake severely damaged Ljubljana. After him, the city received a new, modern look.

Climate and weather

The climate of Ljubljana is temperate continental, with warm summers and mild winters. The weather in summer is usually very warm, average temperature about 20 degrees. In winter the temperature stays around 0, slight frosts and snowfalls are possible. Excellent weather reigns in late spring and early autumn. It is warm and dry at this time.


Best time to visit

Ljubljana can be visited all year round. But best time Visits are considered April-May and September-October.

How to get there

By plane

Located 27 km from Ljubljana international Airport, which receives flights from Moscow, Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, Prague, Warsaw, Istanbul, etc. major cities Europe. You can get from the airport to Ljubljana by bus (ticket price 4.1 euros) or by taxi for 30-40 euros.

By train

Ljubljana is the largest railway junction in Slovenia. Railways it is connected not only with the cities of the country, but also with Zagreb, Budapest, Pula, Vienna, Salzburg.

By bus


Shopping and purchases

Shopping is not what people come to Ljubljana for. Although there are options for shopping here too. Largest shopping mall Ljubljana - BTC City Shopping District, located in the north-eastern part of the city. You can get there by bus 27. Many shops are concentrated on Čopova Street in the Old Town. On Sundays on Gallusovo nabrezje street it is open swap meet. Ljubljana's central market is located on Vodnikov Square.


Gastronomy

The old center of Ljubljana is filled with cozy restaurants and cafes. Here you can try dishes of Slovenian, Italian and Austrian cuisine.

Here on the menu you can find Austrian schnitzel and strudel, Italian pasta, risotto and pizza, and Hungarian goulash. From local dishes highlights include our štruklji dumplings with different fillings, dried pork (prosciutto), potato dumplings, bean soup, a type of Italian polenta, ribs with garlic, and the traditional Slovenian potica pie.

Budget and inexpensive establishments:

  • Falafel, Trubarjeva 40
  • Nobel Burek, Miklošičeva 30
  • Cafe Romeo, Stari trg 6
  • Casa del Papa, Celovska 54a
  • Emonska Klet, Plecnikov Trg 1
  • Gostilna Pod Roznikom, Cesta na Roznik 18
  • Ljubljanski Dvor, Dvorni trg 1
  • Vodnikov temple, Vodnikov trg 2
  • Stara Mačka, Krojaška ulica 8

Sights of Ljubljana

The main attractions of Ljubljana are concentrated in the Old Town. The historical core of the city is located between the castle hill and the river. The old town consists of ancient medieval streets and squares, historical buildings and structures of different periods, and baroque ensembles.

A short walk west of the historic center are the remains of Roman fortification walls, including a series of pillars with an entrance gate.


Triple bridge - architectural ensemble of three pedestrian bridges, built on the site of a medieval wooden bridge designed by Jože Plečnik in 1842. This is one of the symbols of Ljubljana.


Zmajski Bridge or Dragon Bridge is one of the symbols of Ljubljana, a bridge built in 1901. This Art Nouveau masterpiece is guarded by four dragon sculptures.


The Robba Fountain or the Fountain of the Three Rivers is an outstanding monument of the Slovenian Baroque, built between 1743 and 1751 by the Venetian sculpture Francesco Robba. It is based on images famous fountains Rome.

Next to the fountain is the town hall building, built in the 15th century. The town hall was rebuilt in the 18th century. The facade of the building is made in the Venetian style with Gothic elements.


Ljubljana Castle is an iconic landmark of the city. An ancient castle whose history goes back 900 years. This one is old medieval fortress located on a high hill, which can be reached by cable car. From here they open best views Ljubljana. Entrance to the castle courtyard is free. There is only a fee for the funicular and the entrance to the observation tower.

Operating mode of the castle and funicular:

  • January-March, November: 10:00-20:00, daily
  • April, May, October: 9:00-21:00, daily
  • From June to September: 9:00-23:00, daily
  • December: 10:00-22:00, daily.

Tivoli Park is a huge green area almost in the city center. This main city Ljubljana Park is one of the favorite places for walks among residents and guests of the city.


The Franciscan Monastery and Church of the Annunciation is an ancient monastery of the 17th century, which was the monastery of the Augustinians until the end of the 18th century. Rebuilt in Baroque style in the 19th century. The church has a monumental altar designed by Robb and beautiful frescoes.


Cathedral St. Nikolai is one of oldest temples city, built in the Baroque style at the beginning of the 18th century. It has the shape of a Latin cross. The first Romanesque church was built on this site in the 13th century.

On the outskirts of the historical center of Ljubljana is the parish church of St. Petra. This is one of the most striking examples of Slovenian Baroque, built in the first half of the 18th century by the architect Giovanni Fasconi. In the 13th century, there was a Romanesque church on this site, which was burned by the Turks in the 15th century.

Tourist card

Detailed tourist map Ljubljana with marked landmarks.


Many people confuse Slovenia and Slovakia - journalists, television people, George W. Bush, and I was no exception until I visited Slovakia and Bratislava. The turn to visit came for Slovenia and Ljubljana. I hope that after my note you will once and for all stop confusing these countries, and also fall in love with Ljubljana, as I did. After all, the name of this city is loving, just like the name of the country sLOVEnija.

Mikhail and I went to Ljubljana with the thought that we knew absolutely nothing about both the country and the capital itself. From the first minutes we felt some kind of comfort in this miniature city and noted the large number of people riding bicycles. The city and streets are so small that we rode around the center for a long time looking for temporary parking, so we immediately understood why so many locals use bicycles to get around the city. After leaving the car for 2 hours (1 hour parking costs about 1 euro), we went to the center in search of free wi-fi to book a hotel. We noted many banners offering erotic shows. Considering the poverty of the country, offering sex is quite a popular service here.

In order not to overpay for parking, we found a small hotel 15 minutes walk from the center that had this service included. Double Room It cost us 11 euros per person, the car was parked right in the courtyard. If you don’t find free parking, parking will cost you a pretty penny, or rather a euro. It seemed to me that business in parking lots is much more profitable than housing. There are multi-level parking lots set up around the city. You can also see the price per hour in the photo.

The city stands on the Ljubljanica River, the main feature of which is considered to be the fact that part of its bed flows through underground karst caves. Along the river there are low-rise houses with tiled roofs.

Dragon Bridge is one of the first reinforced concrete bridges in Europe. It was originally called Jubilee, but soon began to be called Draco because it was decorated with four dragons at the corners of the bridge.

The dragon is considered a symbol of Ljubljana, since, according to legend, the Argonaut Jason (the founder of Ljubljana) fought against it in a duel. Locals believe that when an innocent girl crosses this bridge, all four dragons will wag their tails. As you understand, this doesn’t happen often :) I also bought a magnet from here in the shape of a dragon.

Vodnik Square, where the food market is located. Across the river is the city's indoor market, where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, as well as local delicacies. There are many attractions around the market such as City Hall and Lublin Castle.

To make it before dark, we decided to go up to the castle first. Narrow streets lead up to Ljubljana Castle. Unfortunately, vandals have also appeared here.

You can walk up a steep hill to Ljubljana Castle, or take the funicular for a €2.20 one-way ticket.

The main thing that inspires you when climbing is the views of the city itself and the mountains that surround it.

And now we are finally on the hill itself.

Ljubljana Castle, which arose in the 12th century, was not always a favorite fortress-museum among tourists. The purpose of the fortress changed in different centuries depending on circumstances. In ancient and not so old times, proud kings lived here and beggars found refuge, defended themselves from enemies and stored weapons, there was a hospital, and at the end of the 19th century it even served as a prison.

The last changes took place here in the 20th century. In 1905, the mayor of the city, Ivan Hribar, bought it to restore the dilapidated fortress and turn it into a museum. Work was destined to begin only in the 60s. As a result, the process of transforming the castle into a cultural center dragged on for another 40 years, until the beginning of the 21st century. The final touch was the construction of the funicular in 2006. A separate place is dedicated to the process of reconstruction of the castle, where a bunch of “before” and “after” photographs are shown, and also talks about the technologies that were used in the process. The reconstruction of such an object is a very complex process, designed to preserve what remains, and at the same time make it convenient and functional for visitors. Seeing those photographs, you understand what a colossal work was done here. You can see one of the photos below.

Entrance to the castle is free, audio guide (in Russian) + climb observation tower cost 10 euros.


Behind the gates, the castle's courtyard opens up; there are souvenir shops and cozy cafes with outdoor verandas. There is also an underground level underneath.

In the foreground stands the Chapel of St. George - one of oldest parts castle For her watch tower, added in 1848, where there was always a sentry who was supposed to warn the townspeople about the arrival of guests, fires and other important events and incidents.

While you're climbing spiral staircase, you can admire the city from the window.

The Watchtower is the most high point city, from here a panorama opens in all directions.

I specially recorded the view from the tower on video

This dark room is the museum of the history of Slovenia, it is complemented by several more floors, but in my memory it is the smallest museum in the country that I have seen. The historical exhibition consists of interactive screens on which you can read information about different historical periods of development of the lands that now make up Slovenia - from the Roman Empire to the war and the collapse of Yugoslavia. Interactive stands switch to Russian. There are not enough real exhibits, mostly copies.

We also decided to go down along the paths, but from the other side of the hail.

We spent about two hours exploring Ljubljana Castle and all the museums, during which time the market stopped working and Vodnik Square became bare. We decided to take a walk around the city itself.

The Triple Bridge is a true symbol of Ljubljana. The bridge consists of three parts, which originate at one point and fan out in different directions, resting at the other ends on the opposite bank of the Ljubljanica River. The bridge is located in the historical center of the city and connects its two other attractions - the Central City Square and Prešeren Square. The bridge was single as long as it could cope with the increasing loads of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. At first it was proposed to demolish it and build a new, larger one, but the Slovenian Jože Plečnik advocated preserving this monument and proposed adding two pedestrian bridges along the edges.

Please note that the center of Ljubljana is completely closed to traffic.

Along Ljubljanica there are long rows of street eateries and mulled wine sellers.

And street musicians play local tunes.

Here Ljubljana really reminded me of 2 cities - Amsterdam with its houses along the river and Vilnius with its castle on the hill.

The darker it became, the more lights came on and the more people came out to walk on the streets and along the river.

The food portions in Ljubljana are huge and terribly tasty, while being quite affordable in price.


So what are the differences between Slovakia and Slovenia?

The capital of Slovakia is Bratislava, Slovenia is Ljubljana
- Slovakia arose after the collapse of Czechoslovakia, Slovenia after the collapse of Yugoslavia.
- Slovakia borders Poland - in the north, Hungary and Austria - in the south and Ukraine - in the east,
Slovenia borders Italy in the west, Austria in the north, Croatia in the southeast and Hungary in the northeast.
- Slovakia declared independence on January 1, 1993, and Slovenia a year and a half earlier - on June 25, 1991.
- There are 5 million people living in Slovakia, and about 2 million in Slovenia.
- Slovakia is landlocked, but Slovenia is

Sea?... Great! That's where we'll go the next day!)

Every person traveling through medieval cities Europe, trying to find and see that very “zest” that is inherent in this particular place. Each city has its own unique and distinct architecture, but not everyone immediately opens up to tourists. Sometimes you can wander along the cobblestone streets for days on end to get a feel for the city, to see it as if from the inside. But with Ljubljana everything is different. The capital of Slovenia is warm and soft, even despite the frequent morning fogs. And if it were possible to describe this city in one word, then Ljubljana is comfort!

Some tourists try to compare Ljubljana with Prague or Vienna, but this is completely wrong! There is no such refined Gothic architecture as in old Prague, nor such an abundance of Renaissance architecture as in Vienna. Two major earthquakes wiped out a good half of both. The “highlight” of this city is completely different: in countless greenery, tranquility and home comfort. Of course, it is difficult to combine such words with the capital of the state, but this is exactly the case!

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a city that you should definitely visit at least once in your life. Walk through its central square, along small old streets, across three bridges over the Ljubljanica River, and climb to the Ljubljana Castle. On the castle hill, where it now stands, once upon a time the legendary Jason defeated an evil dragon. After the victory, Jason and the Argonauts sailed home, but the ghost of the dragon still lives in the castle and now protects the local residents.


Here at the top, from the height of the defensive tower, a stunning view of the whole of Slovenia opens up, at least that’s what the Slovenes themselves like to joke about, hinting at the size of the country. And then on the castle square, where knightly tournaments used to take place, drink a cup of aromatic coffee or Planina (herbal) tea with honey.

In general, Slovenia is a country of coffee lovers. People drink tea here mainly when they are sick. Of course it's not Latin America and not Brazil, but coffee is appreciated and loved here. Coffee with cold milk, with warm milk, with hot milk, with whipped cream, black, macchiato, double espresso, latte, Americano, cappuccino, Turkish - everyone will find a drink to their taste.


It's coffee! 🙂

Going downstairs and buying fresh fruits or vegetables at central market, take a leisurely stroll along the ancient street Ciril-Metodov trg, passing by the fountain of three rivers, look ahead and to the left: in front of you is the city hall building. Here you can easily meet and chat with the mayor of Ljubljana, who is always rushing about some important business, or visit one of the many exhibitions regularly held in the town hall.


City Hall building

And after walking further along Stari trg street and turning right into any of the countless alleys, you will go down to the embankment of the Ljubljanica River. Here, despite the many cafes stretching along the entire embankment, it is quite calm. While most of the tables are occupied in the summer, there is none of the buzz associated with crowded cities. People of different ages sit in the fresh air and calmly communicate, leisurely sipping their drinks.


Cafes on the embankment

By the way, slowly or počasi is probably the most favorite word among Slovenians. They have “hours” all their lives. To some, this unhurried rhythm may seem excessively slow, but for the Slovenians it is just right, which may be why they live long. And tourists from large cities, who are always in a hurry at home, will definitely like this rhythm - they can breathe out!

On the central square of the Slovenian capital, near three bridges, there is a monument to the main national poet - Franze Prešeren, the author of the words of the Slovenian anthem. 3 Russian birches were planted next to the monument. Some guides tell tourists beautiful story that Pushkin was Prešern’s idol, and that is why... but there is another version.


Monument to the Slovenian poet F. Prešeren

Here, on Prešeren Square, is the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation and the monastery of Augustinian monks. If you look at the monument, you can see that a muse is hovering over Prešeren, and as befits any muse, she is naked. So: when the monument was erected, every morning they found either a rag or a piece of paper on the muse. It was the monks, in order not to lead themselves into temptation, who covered their bare chests. So the authorities had to make concessions, separating the muse from the monks with three trees, and they chose birch trees as a screen only because they grow quickly! 😉


Congress Square

When you enter Congress Square, turn around: here and there you will see buildings with their own unique history. Here is the Zvezda cafe, where they serve delicious desserts, and here is the building of the University of Ljubljana, one of the most famous in Europe. On the building of the Slovenian Philharmonic Society it is written 1701. But this is not the year of construction, but the year of founding of the oldest philharmonic society in the world! Of course, you already guessed that this society is Slovenian?


Slovenian Philharmonic building

This is Star Park, and here... what do you think: what are these stones, wells, tombstones and remains of walls found here and there? Believe it or not, these are the surviving remains of the ancient Roman city of Emona. This is exactly what Ljubljana was called before, which recently celebrated its 2000th anniversary.


Križanka

And here is Vegova street. If you go through it to the end, you will come out to Revolution Square, where there is a monument to... yes, Napoleon Bonaparte. There is a good reason for this, but more about that some other time. But this monastery (Krizanke), which is to the left of Bonaparte, in the 13th century served as the residence of the knights of that same Teutonic Order, and now serves as the “residence” of the world famous Ljubljana Festival.


Here he is - Napoleon Bonaparte

You can walk around the green capital of Europe for a long time (this is not the first time Ljubljana has been awarded this title), but, as they say, it’s better to see once than to hear a hundred times.


Ljubljana - the green capital of Europe

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and its heart! It’s not for nothing that thousands and thousands of tourists from all over the world flock here every year. This city leaves no one indifferent!

Few travelers know more about Ljubljana than that it is the main city of Slovenia. However, tiny but very cute, she deserves a visit and usually leaves good impressions. It also somewhat resembles the capital of the Czech Republic; it is even called little Prague. Tourists come here to see the Grad fortress and the Old Town, get acquainted with the local culture, or just walk around this quiet, green and cozy place Of Eastern Europe.

Ljubljana has an unusual star-shaped layout, right in the city there are several hills, Castle Hill and vast green areas, which in area make up half of the entire municipality. Even in high season It’s deserted, quiet and pleasant here: perfect place to break away from the rhythm of life in big cities and relax. It's also a great starting point for short trips- the capital is located in the center of the country.

How to get to Ljubljana

The most convenient way to get to Ljubljana is by air. Direct flights from Moscow Sheremetyevo are operated by Aeroflot and Adria Airways, a round trip ticket costs 470 EUR, the journey takes about 3 hours. You can save money by choosing a flight with a transfer, for example, to Helsinki. There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg; it is most profitable to travel with a connection in Helsinki or Istanbul or fly from Finland. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

There is no direct railway connection between Russian cities and Ljubljana; you can get there with a transfer in Vienna, but the journey will take 35.5 hours. Trains depart from Moscow from Belorussky railway station two times a week.

From airport to city

It's worth starting with medieval castle The city, which towers over Ljubljana and is considered its main symbol. At the foot of the hill lies the Old Town with cozy streets and impressive architecture. Particularly interesting is the Old Trg square, where you can see several dozen buildings from different eras.

Another unusual place- Triple bridge, reminiscent of a fan: it starts from one point and on the other side connects to three different places. The second bridge, which invariably attracts the attention of tourists, is called Dragons; it is “guarded” by 4 magnificent fairy-tale creatures.

Dragons are considered one of the main symbols of the city and are found here very often. According to legend, Jason, returning after the theft of the Golden Fleece, saw a monster in these places, which he immediately defeated. And on the site of the battle he founded a city, which later became Ljubljana.

 

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