Small capital Ljubljana is the center of the country of Slovenia to the product of a harsh story in which the protagonists were the wars and natural disasters like earthquakes that destroyed the city. Despite these facts, today is presented as a young city, but with a lot of history behind it, like its architecture and environment, long hidden secrets of the Slovenian city’s past.

Photography by Ljubljana, Slovenia’s heart

Many argue that the origin of the name of the city comes from an ancient Slavic town called Laburus, while others claim it comes from the Slavic word meaning beloved Luba, or Latin Alubiana.

On the other hand, there is a Greek legend that tells the adventures of Jason and the Argonauts (heroes of Greek mythology) and describes that, after stealing a golden fleece headed north along the Danube, until he ran into the Ljubljanica River, where Jason had to battle an evil monster of the river, known as the great dragon of Ljubljana (Ljubljana). Today the figure of the dragon is the star in several symbols of the city, appearing on the shield and flag of the same, as well as in the famous bridge of dragons, Zaninovic built by the early twentieth century.

The documents that name the city for the first time dating back to 1144, and three centuries later, the city was divided into three main areas: the old town (Stari trg), the new town (Novi trg) and Town Square (Mestia trg). With the passage of time, the city is gaining popularity, making progress in terms of culture, economics and politics, until 1511, when a large earthquake occurs that destroys much of the city. After the event, we began to rebuild under the dogmas Renaissance, Baroque-style buildings made.

Photography by LAndrea Musi

Later, around 1895 the city suffered a new blow to an earthquake that ends with 10% of the buildings that were existing, some 150 buildings completely destroyed. After this natural bombing, the city decided to recreate under the guidelines of that time, ie Art Nouveau style that had become popular over all Europe.

After the destructive earthquake reached conflicting events, such as the dissolution of the Empire Astrohúngaro during the end of the First World War, which involved the incorporation of the region to Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and during the Second World War the city was occupied by the Fascists in 1941 by Nazi Germany in 1943. After the Second World War, Ljubljana became part of communist Yugoslavia, a state that lasted until 1991, when Slovenia gained independence, and since 2004, Slovenia is part of the Union Eurpoea.

What to see in Ljubljana?

The main attractions are housed within the old city, which is divided into two areas: the area of City Hall, where the majority of architectural attractions and the area of the Knights of the Cross. Throughout the entire Old Town may see reflected the history of the city through the diversity of styles which is built. With just skirting the Grand Canal may notice the beauty of Art Nouveau on the cobbled streets and enjoy the view of Baroque monuments that surround the place.

Like any European city, Ljubljana is characterized by great diversity of Churches. Among these, the most important being the St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Franciscan Church of the Assumption and the Church of San Pedro.

Between the bridges, the most famous are the renowned Bridge of Dragons, which forms a symbol of the city, and triple jumper Tromostovje located opposite a vast expanse crowned by a beautiful church.

Photography by Damien Smith

And finally, medieval Ljubljana Castle is undoubtedly one of the places to be visited, both for its careful architecture, as its strategic location, since it is located on a hill overlooking the city. You can access it on foot through the winding path that connects the foot of the city with the castle, you can also take the funicular or rapid bus.

Enjoy your trip!