Small and friendly, Ljubljana is so cute I wanted to cuddle it and put it in my pocket for safe keeping. The main square, Prešernov Trg, features a statue of Slovenia's beloved poet, France Prešeren, standing underneath his muse. Across the square is a small statue of a woman looking out of a second floor window. She and Prešeren, who were kept apart in life despite their love, can now eternally look at each other.
A bright pink Franciscan church stands in Prešeren Trg.
A huge earthquake struck Ljubljana in 1895, leveling much of the city west of the river. As a result, many of these buildings reflect their time and are art nouveau, unlike the eastern side of the river.
Because the Romans traveled just about everywhere, they were in Ljubljana, too. There are several ruins sites throughout the city. Parts of the old city wall and a watch tower of Emona, as Ljubljana was known under the Romans, are still standing.
Kongresni Trg is home to the Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity, the main university's administrative office, the Philharmonic, and popular cafes. In the 1990s, Slovenians gathered here to protest for their independence from Yugoslavia, eventually becoming independent in June of 1991.
I was fortunate enough to visit St. Nicholas Cathedral when it was closed. That may sound odd, but the bronze doors of this 18th century baroque church are best viewed closed. They were installed in 1996 for Pope John Paul II's visit. Rather than sign his work, the artist included his face amidst the scene! You'll find him in the lower right corner (specifically, his nose which is shiny from so many people rubbing it in hopes of good luck).
Perched high on a hill and dominating the city's skyline is Ljubljana Castle. This spot has been inhabited for at least the past 3,000 years due to its strategic location overlooking the area below.
The castle has been rebuilt and remodeled numerous times. Today it is a collection of buildings, most of which date back to the 19th century, surrounded by a thick wall.
As expected, there is a great view of the city from the tower.
The spiral staircase leading to the tower is certainly worth a mention, too!
The castle was used as a prison during WWI.
A few parting shots of Ljubljana's famous dragon to conclude my Slovenia posts!
