| Ljubljana |
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Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia. It's also the biggest city in the country and the political, cultural and commercial centre. With a population of around 300,000 it has the intimacy of a small town mixed with the cultural heritage and cosmopolitan feel of a vibrant city.
The stunning old town is nestled between a hill topped with a castle and the gently flowing Ljubljanica river. The banks of the river and many other important buildings where designed by local architect Joze Plecnik (1872-1957). When strolling through the streets of Ljubljana you can see the remains of the Roman settlement Emona, the medieval old town, the many works of Plecnik and modern buildings blended with parks and squares. The history of the city begins some 5,000 years ago with "marsh dwellers" inhabiting the boggy barje (marsh lands) near the city, and continues through the time of Roman Emona, followed by the medieval city under the castle. Over the last century, Ljubljana has experienced its highest rate of growth, becoming more important as the political and educational centre of Slovenia. With Slovenia becoming independent in 1991 it has become one of the smallest capitals in Europe. As a new member state of the European Union after 1 May 2004, Slovenia starts a new and exciting phase in its storied history. You can walk through the city in couple hour's time. If you have an entire day you can see almost all sights worth visiting. If you stay longer Ljubljana is a great starting point to see all of Slovenia. Within a two hour drive you can see the Adriatic Sea, alpine mountains, the Karst (full of magical caves), the Panonian lowland, and a Sub alpine world of enormous beauty. Magistrat (City Hall)Erected in 1484, rebuilt by Gregor Macek in 1718 in baroque manner. The meeting place before 1484 of Ljubljana's citizens was the open square on the right bank of Cevljarski Bridge. In 1484 the City Hall building was erected at today's location. In front was a market place used only for selling flowers. In 1718 building was refurbished in baroque manner and has stayed that way until today.Inside is beautiful arcade courtyard with Narcis well (by Francesco Robba). In front of Magistrat is well of three Slovene rivers, from 1751. it's a "must see", but you can't miss it if you stroll through old centre Ursulinska cerkev (church), Kongresni trg Probably the most important baroque building in Ljubljana and my favourite was erected between 1718 and 1728. The architect is not known, but it's clear that he follow Paladin and Borromini's example in Northern Italy. Inside the main altar is quite impressive, thaw it can't compare with the beautiful facade. The staircase in front is work of architect Joze Plecnik. Church is situated in top left corner of Kongresni square, witch it dominates. This is my favourite sight in Ljubljana. Especially in the morning light the facade of Ursulinska church looks fantastic. The interior is not so interesting Franciskanska cerkev (on Presernov square)Erected between 1646 and 1660 on a small hill above Ljubljanica River. Until city walls were destroyed the church didn't had much importance to the city. With the growth of city, formation of Presernov Square and later with Plecnik's Tromostovje (Triple Bridge) the church become one of more important dominants in Ljubljana. The main altar inside is work of local craftsmanFrancesca Robba.The church dominates the main square in Ljubljana. When walking away from City hall towards and over the Triple bridge, Franciskanska church shows it self monumentally.Neboticnik (Skyscraper)The Skyscraper (in Slovene Neboticnik) was designed by Vladimir Subic, erected in 1933. It symbolises the growing and fast developing Ljubljana in period between First and Second World War. When built it was by far the highest building in Ljubljana, sources from that time state, that is was the highest building in Balkan and 9th tallest in Europe. For a small and relatively unimportant Ljubljana in 1933, that was quite an accomplishment. Neboticnik is also one of the first earthquake safe buildings in the world. In centre of building is round staircase, on the top coffeehouse.The Skyscraper has become one of Ljubljana's major sights. The view of Neboticnik is almost as characteristic to Ljubljana as a view of City Hall. One of better things to do in Ljubljana (especially for tourists) is to go to the top of skyscraper to coffeehouse. The best view of Ljubljana is from the top of Skyscraper. Krizevniska cerkevErected in 1714 on the site where in 13th century gothic church stood. Remain of this first church can be seen in "Mestni muzej" and in "Kriznake" complex. Now-days Domenico Rossi designed church. This was first central baroque church in Ljubljana. Ground plane is designed around 'Greek cross' with two additional side chapels. The main characteristic is corrugated dome. Interior is still baroque. |
