Ljubljana, Slovenia

A quick overview

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and I had a quick visit there. The old part of the city is now a pedestrian zone and makes for a great way to explore the city.



The Shoemakers' or Cobblers' Bridge over the Ljubljanica River, the Shoemakers' bridge dates back to the 13th century and various bridges have been on this spot. This current version dates back to 1931. It was called the Shoemakers' Bridge as shoemakers set up shop along the bridge when shoes were taxed.


The population of Ljubljana is quite young and the city has a vibrant energy around it. There are cafes all along the river, in the old parts of town and in the student areas.


This was built by the river to encourage hygiene amount the food stall holders, they were built by the Italians and the decorations hark back to the glory days of Italy ---the Roman era. Fruit and vegetables were at the top, the fish venders were on the bottom near the water!



The market, with the Dragon Bridge in the background. The dragon has become the symbol of the city.



Looking up to Ljubljana castle.



The Three Bridges, the centre bridge is the oldest, it was built in 1842 and dedicated to the Austrian Emperor Franz Karl, the two side bridges that run at slight angles to the centre one were built in 1932.



The Galerija Emporium, now restored, this department store was built in 1903.



The whole city had a great atmosphere with all the open air cafes, they were in the side streets, along the river and in areas close to the university.


The Ljubljana Cathedral, St. Nicholas, just stunning!


I walked through an area with small cafes and shops and lots of graffiti! To me it looked like the university student area.

Ljubljana was lovely, I did a boat tour along the river and the guide was great in giving us a very concise history of the city. Being able to spend longer in the city would give you more time to explore, but even only having a few hours it's possible to experience much of what the city has to offer. 

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