Ljubljana sightseeing & architecture

Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
The Franciscan church built by the Augustinians, is today one of the symbols of the city due to its location at the main Preseren Square and its significant colour. Its triple stairway looking at the Square has been a popular spot to street artists, local codgers and anyone who likes to catch a feel of the city, having a great view of the Triple Bridge, the Square and locals strolling by.

Dragon Bridge
As a Ljubljana trade-mark, Dragon Bridge is one of the most well known bridges and sights of the city as well. Four green dragons, two on each side, stand proudly to guard the bridge and the city. Though ladies, beware….dragon may wave its tail, when the bridge is crossed by a virgin.
The history of the bridge goes far back in the past when the bridge was wooden and called a Butchers' Bridge. For reasons of industrialization, economic prosperity and higher traffic the old bridge did not suffice. In 1901 the existing one was built in secession art style, dedicated to Franc Jozef, the Hapsburg Emperor. Years written at the side represent time of his rule. Made of reinforced concrete makes it one of the first bridges in Europe built in this modern technique of that time. Today it is one of the symbols of the city. You can easily see it from the Triple Bridge, streching over Ljubljanica river at the other side of the market place. Many claim to see a dragon wave its tail when a virgin crosses the bridge. Others humorously name it a Mother-in-Laws' Bridge.

Triple Bridge
The Triple Bridge is probably the most unusual and the most frequently crossed bridge in Ljubljana. It connects the main square and a newer part of town with the Old Town and the Market, what makes it an area with the highest fluctuation of people. It got its final image when Joze Plecnik in 1931 added the side pedestrian bridges to the existing main one. Offering you a view of the river Ljubljanica, Old Town, main square and the Market, Triple Bridge is a perfect place to stop and feel the city. Pictures of the Triple Bridge in Ljubljana.

Preseren Square
It is the main square of Ljubljana, dedicated to the greatest Slovenian poet, dr. France Preseren. His statue stands in the middle of the square and is surrounded by the finest seccesion buildings from the start of the 20th century. Connected by the Plecnik's Triple Bridge with the Old Town, Market and the river, it is a perfect spot to start your city exploration. Besides, it certainly is a place to stop, have a cup of coffee and enjoy the view. Sitting on the statue stairs is a good way to meet locals, as it is a popular spot for a chit-chat. Enjoy the sun, listen to street musicians and watch locals stroll by. Pictures from the Preseren Square in Ljubljana.

The Cathedral of St.Nicholas
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas is the biggest and the main church of Ljubljana. For its height of two green bell towers and a dome it is very visible and difficult to miss. It stands on the spot of an old Romanesque basilica from the 13th century, also dedicated to St. Nicholas, the patron of fishermen. A decision for a new church was taken in 1700 and in 1841 a wooden dome was replaced by today`s stone one. Located at Vodnikov trg (Vodnik Square) i.e. by the open market and nearby the Triple Bridge, makes its surroundings constantly busy and vivid. Major religion in Slovenia is Roman Catholicism, though the number of true believers is uncertain but decreasing. Beware that the cathedral is usually closed from 12.00 to 15.00. Entrance is free.

Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity
Just opposite to Congress Square the Ursulin Convent with the Holy Trinity Church is situated. Undulating roof and yellow columns in the font fasade make it one of the most beautiful and original baroque churches in Ljubljana. From the parking by the Congress Square view of the church is the best.

Architecture

Joze Plecnik, the greatest man in Ljubljana's shape, just like Gaudi who gave its finger print to Barcelona. The permanent exhibition of his work is being hosted in the architecture museum.

The National and University Library (NUK)
You can find it between Turjaska and Vegova street. A palace, which is full of architectural symbolism, has a massive orange and white block outside and monumental dark marble staircase from the inside. It leads you to the biggest reading room in the library with big windows, as a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment. It is the most important work of Plecnik in his homeland. With its palacial appearance it accomplishes his idea of the monumental city avenue, that connects the city center with Trnovo district, crossing the Square of French Revolution. During the WWII German airplane crashed inside, thus renovation was urgent. Besides having the most extensive collection of literature in the country, it owns numerous medieval hanscripts and Renaissance prints. With Krizanke and a popular Le Petit bar close by, surroundings of NUK is usually full of youngsters filling the walls and benches. If interested in a guided tour, book it at least one week in advance by phone or e-mail. Opening time: Mon- Fri: 9.00 – 18.00, Sat: 9.00 – 14.00. Address: Turjaska 1, Ljubljana, Phone.: +386 (0)1 2001 195
http://www.nuk.uni-lj.si/

The Skyscraper (Neboticnik)
The skyscraper with the same name is one of the most well known and the most distinctive buildings in Ljubljana. When built in 1933 as a symbol of modernisation, growth and economic prosperity of the city, it was the highest residential and 9th highest building in Europe. The arched top, which is unfortunately not accessible today, served as a bar and a restaurant with a spectacular viewing point.
Today the skyscraper serves as an orientation point and as a residential building with shops and offices in lower floors. If interested, enter the monumental lobby, worth seeing. Located by the touch of Slovenska and Copova street it takes you only a short walk from the main square.

Castles and manors in Ljubljana
Even the Ljubljana tourism authorities cannot make it clear how many castles there are in Ljubljana, and it is said there must be about a dozen of them directly in the district. The best know however is the Ljubljana castle that dominates the old town.