Ljubljana
The capital Ljubljana, which is also one of Europe’s green capitals, is the vibrant heart of the country, and a visit to the city is a must when exploring Slovenia. It is actually an excellent starting point for exploring all the Slovenian specialties.
Ljubljana was officially founded by the Romans, who named the city Emona. Unofficially, however, the Greek mythical hero Jason is considered the founder of the Slovenian capital.According to the legend, Jason, along with his comrades the Argonauts, was on the run after stealing the Golden Fleecefrom King Aietes. They fled across the Black Sea, navigated up the Danube, and eventually reached the Sava River, which they followed upstream to the Ljubljanica River. Here, they disembarked and founded Ljubljana before continuing their journey to the coast. In Ljubljana, they encountered a dragon, which Jason defeated. Though the story is a myth, the dragon remains the symbol of Ljubljana to this day.
Things to see and do
- Plečnik’s Market
Plečnik's Market is a key architectural landmark in Ljubljana, designed by the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik. Located near the Central Market by the Ljubljanica River, it is an integral part of the city's cultural and social fabric.
The market consists of two main parts: the covered market and the open-air market. Plečnik's design, completed in the 1930s, features a distinctive combination of traditional and modernist styles. The covered market, located beneath a series of elegant arches, creates a visually striking yet functional space. The arches are supported by stone columns, and the roof features red-tiled elements, giving it a warm and inviting feel. The market is designed to be both a practical space for vendors and a beautiful architectural feature.
- Love bridge
The Love Bridge (or "Most Ljubezni" in Slovenian) in Ljubljana is a charming pedestrian bridge over the Ljubljanica River, known for its romantic atmosphere. The bridge is famous for being covered in padlocks, placed by couples as a symbol of their love. These locks, often engraved with initials or names, represent the commitment and affection of couples who visit the bridge and attach a lock before tossing the key into the river as a symbolic gesture of eternal love.
- Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle (or Ljubljanski Grad) is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ljubljana, sitting majestically on a hilltop overlooking the city. The castle offers stunning panoramic views of the entire city and the surrounding landscape, making it a must-visit spot for anyone in Ljubljana. The castle has a long history, dating back to the 11th century. Originally built as a medieval fortress, it was later expanded and renovated over the centuries. It has served various purposes throughout history, including as a royal residence, military stronghold, and prison.
- Dragon Bridge
The Dragon Bridge (or Zmajski Most) is one of the most famous landmarks in Ljubljana, known for its unique design and mythological significance. The bridge is a symbol of the city and a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture. It was originally constructed to improve traffic flow, as it connected the center of Ljubljana with the eastern districts. The bridge was designed by the architect Jurij Zaninović, and its most striking feature is the four dragon statues that guard the bridge at each corner.
