The charming Ljubljana is underrated with less crowds. Many tourists overlook it when visiting Europe. This is exactly why you should come. It offers fascinating culture from the Habsburgs to Art Nouveau. Surrounded by mountains with Lake Bled nearby, nature is also abundant. I spent 3 days here in the spring and experienced most of these Ljubljana Slovenia top attractions. So, read on and learn why you should visit!
About Ljubljana
The Habsburg Monarchy ruled the city from the Middle Ages until the Austro-Hungarian Empire fell in 1918. After WW II Slovenia became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Slovenia declared independence after the victory of the Ten-Day War in 1991. Then, Ljubljana became the capital city. Ljubljana lies north of the country’s largest marsh. Also, Grmada hill is the highest elevation in the city reaching 676 m (2,218 ft).
The city’s symbol is the Dragon representing courage and greatness. Ljubljana was rebuilt in Baroque style after the 1511 earthquake. Later, after the 1895 earthquake the city rebuilt into a Vienna Secession style. (Art Nouveau) Jože Plečnik is the most celebrated architect in Ljubljana, designing the 20th century Art Nouveau buildings.
Ljubljana is a very green city known for its environmental friendliness. Even more, in 2016 it was the European Green Capital. Ljubljanica River runs through the city with treelined terraces along the banks.
Ljubljana Slovenia Top Attractions
& Lake Bled Daytrip
I enjoyed 3 days experiencing most of these Ljubljana and Lake Bled attractions. However, I would have loved another day to explore Smarna Gora district with Mount Saint Mary and Grmada hill. Everything else I explored here and loved every minute of it!
Preseren Square
The Preseren Square is one of the main hubs in Old Town with great historical significance. The square is named after the 19th century poet France Preseren. His statue stands here across from his muse Julija Primic. Furthermore, his work “Zdravlijica” or “A Toast” became Slovenia’s national anthem. The Baroque Church of the Anunciation also stands here, dating back to 1795.
Off Prešeren Square is three bridges decorated with stone balustrades and lanterns. The central bridge of the three is much older than the two that flank it, and dates to 1842. Urbanc House on the corner of Prešeren Square opened in 1902. It is admired for the metal and glass canopy above the entrance
Franciscan Church of the Annunciation
On Preseren Square stands the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation. Since the 17th century, its Baroque facade is pastel red, symbolic of the Franciscan order. The interior is a blend from more recent renovations. The new ceiling from the 1930’s was created by the Impressionist Matej Sternen. Also, sculptor Francesco Robba designed the 18th century altarpiece and Joze Plecnik the stone cross in a side chapel.
Ljubljana Castle
The Ljubljana Castle sits on Castle Hill overlooking the city center at 366 m. (1,201 ft) Built in the 12th century, this medieval castle is a blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance styles. Also, behind the castle are many scenic walking paths with a botanical garden nearby.
Tickets may be purchased online or at gate. The audioguide tour includes viewing tower, Museum of Puppetry and Slovenian History exhibits.
Dragon Bridge
In old town on each corner of the Dragon bridge the Ljubljana symbol stands sentinel. The bridge opened in 1901 and is designed in Viennese Secessionist style or Art Nouveau. It was one of the first concrete bridges in Europe.
Town Hall
In the 18th century this Gothic building became reformed into Venetian Baroque style. It is free to tour the first floor of the Town Hall. In the vestibule stands a sculpture of Hercules and the Nemean lion from a 17th century fountain. Additionally, in the courtyard stands a fountain with Narcissus by the sculptor Francesco Robba.
Robba Fountain
Near the Town Hall stand the replica of the Robba Fountain. Built by the Italian sculptor Francesco Robba, the original is in the National Gallery. The fountain displays 3 men pouring water from jugs. An obelisk rises above. Overall, it represents the 3 rivers of the Carniola region: Ljubljanica, Sava and Krka. It was taken from Rome’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of Four River) at Piazza Navona.
Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Ljubljana
Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Ljubljana
Near the Town Hall is the baroque, 13th century Saint Nicholas Cathedral of Ljubljana. It survived earthquakes, fires and wars with many transformations. The dome was added in the 1840’s. Slovenian Matevz Langus designed the interior dome fresco. Many Italian Baroque masters contributed to the frescoes, sculptures and paintings inside.
You can’t miss the bronzed, sculpted main doors designed in 1996. I loved this and consider it one of my favorite doors. The detail is fabulous! The “Slovene Door” displays a relief depicting Slovenian history. The door commemorates the 1250’s anniversary of Christianity in Slovenia and the visit of Pope John Paul II.
Ljubljanica River Trip
One of the best ways to experience the Old Town is on a Ljubljanica River Cruise. Many businesses offer river boat tours along the river in town center. I purchased mine on the Triple Bridge. It’s best to go early for a seat on the bough with the best view. We cruised for about one hour up the river and back. This offers a fresh perspective of the iconic bridges, architecture, colonnade and waterfront.
Central Market
The Art Nouveau architect, Joze Plecnik designed the Central Market in the 1930’s. It spreads out along the riverside between the Triple and Dragon Bridges. The colonnade on the edge of Preseren Square offers stalls selling a variety of things. For example, I noticed lots of produce, nuts, herbs, spices, flowers, cred meats, baked goods and handicrafts. This is open every day except Sunday.
Nebotičnik or Skyscraper
Here is where you go for the best views of Ljubljana! The Neboticnik or Skyscraper rises up to 13-storeys. A rooftop bar is on the terrace of the 12th floor. An Art Deco spiral stairway takes you to the top. Otherwise, an elevator is the easier option. I really enjoyed the views with the local wine and appetizers. The panorama is absolutely stunning of the city, castle and even mountains in the background.
Art Nouveau Architecture
After another earthquake in 1895, the city was transformed into a Vienna Secession style. Jože Plečnik is the most celebrated architect in Ljubljana, designing the 20th century Art Nouveau buildings. At least a dozen Art Nouveau buildings stand near city center, along with the Dragon Bridge. Urbanc House on the corner of Prešeren Square opened in 1902 and is admired for the metal and glass canopy above the entrance. Architectural tours explain more about these iconic buildings.
Tivoli Park
The Tivoli Park spreads out for more than 2 km, extending into the Roznik Hill. It offers many walking paths through gardens, a pond and tropical greenhouse. The Jakopic Promenade goes from the eastern entrance up to the Neoclassical Tivoli Castle. I enjoyed watching people feed native squirrels and birds that hopped up on peoples’ arms.
National Gallery of Slovenia
In front of the Tivoli Park is the National Gallery of Slovenia. This is Slovenia’s historical art museum, displaying pieces from the Middle Ages up to the 1900’s. It showcases more than 600 artworks. This includes Italian Baroque painters and sculptors commissioned in Slovenia and Slovenian Impressionist Movement. Francesco Robba’s original Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers is preserved in the museum. Its replica stands near the Town Hall.
Metelkova Mesto
This autonomous urban area is similar to the famous Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen. After independence squatters lived in old army barracks from the Austro-Hungarian Empire days. They succeeded in living there to prevent them from being torn down. Now, Metelkova is a colorful, free-thinking area with graffiti and murals on many buildings and walls. It is a popular spot for nightlife, live music, bars and public art.
Lake Bled Daytrip
Beautiful Lake Bled is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia. Buses leave and return hourly between Lake Bled and Ljubljana just 34 miles away. The lake is in the Julian Alps near the town Bled. I took the walking path encircling the shores, that is approximately 6 km (3.4 mi) long.
Bled Island is in the middle of the lake with a Baroque Church of the Assumption of Maria. I paid for a wooden pletna boat ride to the island. These boats are similar to Italian gondolas with an oarsman. Ojstrica Bluff is the best viewpoint overlooking Lake Bled. The hike takes less than an hour and one of the best points for sunrise or sunset. Bled Castle also stands on a bluff overlooking the lake. I was sorry to miss it. Also, don’t miss the culinary specialty of Lake Bled, the cream cake famous since the Habsburg era. I found a café along the shore to enjoy this dessert and cappuccino.
Mount Saint Mary and Grmada Peaks
Just 10 km north of Ljubljana is the inselberg in the Smarna Gora district with twin peaks. Grmada is the highest point in the city, reaching more than 660 metres high. Mount Saint Mary is the other one. Many hiking trails make their way to the summit. There is culture on the mountains too! A 17th century Baroque church stands on the Mount Saint Mary. Also, a Marian column marks the outbreak of the plague in the 1600’s. I was sorry to miss this, but needed an extra day.
Enjoy Ljubljana and Lake Bled!
Ljubljana and Lake Bled are amazing and so underrated! I loved my 3 days here, but would have loved to stay longer. There is so much to explore both culturally and in nature. Hopefully, I can return one day. If your travels bring you to Vienna, feel free to leave any suggestions or tips below.
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