The magnificent works of art appear as if guarding hidden entryways into the church, and both the church and these powerful, daunting doors are a must-see.ĭown the street from the church, catch the funicular up to Ljubljana Castle. Relief sculptures depicting the history of Christianity on Slovenian lands decorate the cathedralʼs huge, unique main entrance door, and its side entrance door has portraits of the 20th-century bishops of Ljubljana.

Nicholas, with interior frescoes created by Guilio Quaglio. Of particular interest is the magnificent baroque Cathedral of St. Yes, it is lined with vendors selling fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers and all sorts of eats. This area is known as Vodnikkove trg Square and is the central market. Make your way to the other side of the river by crossing Dragon Bridge, the townʼs first Art Nouveau creation built in 1901. The city center is restricted to foot traffic and bicycling only: no cars or vehicle noises competing…just the sounds and whispers of people. We strolled along the river for hours, popping into a sidewalk cafe from time to time for cocktails and people watching. Their love of art and architecture is visible at every turn, on every street and at every crossing of the bridges.Īt night the bridges cast a sparkly green glow over the Ljubljana River, with the buildings on both sides reflecting in the water. This is also where youʼll find Plečnikʼs famous pedestrain Triple Bridge. Prešeren trg Square is lovely, pristine and calm, and at night it has a beautiful romantic appeal. A lifesize statue in the center of the square immortalizes the famous poet. We stayed in walking distance of Prešeren trg Square which is named after France Prešeren, the greatest Slovenian poet (1800-1849) and author of Sloveniaʼs national anthem, “Zdravljica.” The anthem appeals for the coexistence of nations and is a zdravljica, or toast, to all people of good heart. Apparently poetry, theatre and concerts are quite popular, and Slovenians are proud of their cultural tradition. Ljubljana is a lively center of creativity: dance, opera, theater, jazz, art events and various festivals (especially in the summer months) bring visitors from all over the world. Plečnik is a revered figure in Slovenia. Frances, the central market, and the always busy Triple Bridge, just to name a few of his masterpieces. The countryʼs leading architect during the first half of the 20th century, Jože Plečnik, designed much of the iconic architecture, including the Church of St. Itʼs like walking into The Emerald City…a touch of medieval with an idealistic love of the arts. The buildings are not pock-marked with remnants of shrapnel, but are in fact architecturally magnificent. Ljubljana, the capital and largest city in Slovenia, lies between Vienna and Venice and has an incredible romantic ambiance.

Medieval slavania