Ljubljana

The creations of the famous architect Jože Plečnik (1872–1957) put a mark on three cities of Central Europe: Vienna, Prague, but most of all his beloved hometown of Ljubljana. It was Plečnik’s objective to breathe new life into Ljubljana by redesigning it into a comprehensive masterpiece. The most prominent landmarks include the Triple Bridge (Tromostovje), the Cobbler’s Bridge (Čevljarski most), the building of the National and the University library, the Križanke summer theatre, the Žale cemetery and others.

The magnificent statues of dragons, which are the symbol of Ljubljana, are one of the main attractions of the city. The Dragon Bridge was constructed between 1900 and 1901 and was dedicated to the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I. It is considered a masterpiece of Secession architecture. Also, when completed, it was one of the first reinforced concrete bridges of contemporary Europe.

St Nicholas’ Church, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ljubljana, was completed in its current form in 1701 on the foundations of an older church. The church built by the Jesuit architect Andrea Pozzo is adorned with frescoes by Giulio Quaglio and is considered one of the jewels of Baroque art. Also famous is its entrance door made in the 20th century. The carvings on the main door depict the history, while the postern doors are decorated with portraits of Slovene bishops and Jesus.

The old centre of Ljubljana is famous for the Ljubljanica, its romantic banks and wondrous bridges. Along the Ljubljanica, the banks of which were designed by Jože Plečnik, numerous small cafés are scattered where people mingle in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying the scenery. The best way to see the Ljubljanica is to book a trip on one of the tourist boats. Some even offer guided boat tours.

The National Gallery of Slovenia, the main museum of the country's history, displays permanent collections featuring Slovene artists from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, along with works by European painters. The gallery also houses the original Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers (Robba Fountain), while a replica stands in front of the Town Hall.

The Museum of Modern Art showcases a permanent collection of 20th-century Slovene artists, alongside temporary exhibitions. Since 2010, a selection of its avant-garde art collection has been on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MSUM) at Metelkova.

The Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits avant-garde art, part of the Arteast 2000+ international collection, as well as artwork by Slovene artists belonging to the national collection. The Arteast 2000+ collection tells the tale of the overlooked and often censored creativity of artists from the then Eastern Bloc. Occasionally, the museum displays new exhibits, thus actively expanding its collection.

Ljubljana Zoo, nestled in the pristine natural surroundings of Tivoli Park, Rožnik, and Šišenski hrib, is home to both native and exotic animals. The zoo is home to over 100 animal species and offers a variety of interactive experiences, enabling visitors to have direct contact with the animals.

One of the principal museums and exhibitions of art in Ljubljana is dedicated to graphic arts. It displays an extensive collective of graphics and modern works of art. The Museum also hosts the International Biennial of Graphic Arts, one of the most acclaimed graphic events worldwide, first organised in 1955.

The Town Square, once the heart of medieval Ljubljana, is today renowned for the Town Hall and the Robba Fountain (the Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers), erected between 1743 and 1751 by the Baroque artist Francesco Robba. The Town Hall, built in the late 15th century, has largely retained its Baroque appearance. Regular guided tours of the Town Hall are available.

One of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe is not particularly large, but is still home to a myriad of various plant species from around the world. Its tropical glasshouse hosts more than 380 flowering species from tropical rainforests.