Slovenia

A stroll through Ljubljana City Centre

A stroll through Ljubljana City Centre is a must-do item when in Slovenia’s capital and largest city.

Honestly, when I think of Slovenia the first thing that pops up in my mind is the fact that Melania Trump, wife of former US President Donald Trump was born there. However, there’s a lot more to Slovenia. Although I didn’t get to visit Lake Bled, which is probably the number 1 tourist item for the majority, I did spend some time in the quaint, historic inner city of Ljubljana.

You might think it’s a dump though, depending on the route taken to get to the capital. It was my first time and I wasn’t familiar with the layout of the place. The bus drove through some gritty streets with graffiti and some grey, square depressing buildings that made me think of communism. Anyway, Ljubljana is like finding a delicious treat after a long, hard trek.

View of the Triple bridge across the Ljubljanica river

This charming city was affected by two major earthquakes, the first in 1511 and the second in 1895. After both disasters, the rebuilding took on different styles: the Renaissance style in the 14th century and then the Vienna Secession style for some districts after the 1895 earthquake.

Ljubljana with Ljubljana Castle in the background on Castle Hill

Do you know that Slovenia only became independent in 1991? After World War I, it joined the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. Then after World War II, it became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia (Yugoslavia).

Slovenia reminds me of Salzburg with its beautiful fountains and city square. If you take a stroll in Ljubljana city centre you’ll be hard-pressed to miss this iconic city symbol: the Robba fountain.

Robba Fountain at Town Square

Another notable symbol of Ljubljana is the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation on Prešeren Square (pedestrian zone). It is protected as a cultural monument of national significance.

Franciscan Church of the Annunciation

Do you know that the dragon symbolises Ljubljana? According to local legend, the city was founded by the Greek mythological hero, Jason who killed a ‘resident’ dragon in the city. Dragon Bridge is an icon of Ljubljana.