Things to see and do Ljubljana

The castle overlooks the city. It attracts the eye and makes you want to go there. It is a visit not to be missed.

How to get there. There are three ways to get there: Študentovska (in front of Vodnikov Trg), Ulica na Grad (a handful of meters to the right of St. Florian's church) and Reber, at 28 Stari Trg. But for the less courageous, there is a funicular just behind the market square, on Krekov Square. This way, you can reach the castle without any effort and enjoy a panoramic view of Ljubljana.

Visit. The castle is nothing special, a large inner courtyard with a mixture of all kinds of architecture. It is constantly being renovated. Anyway, visit the tower. The entrance with a guide gives access to the top of the tower. The 360° view of Ljubljana is breathtaking. The city appears so far away and so close at the same time. The entrance fee also includes a 3D film showing the history of Ljubljana and consequently of the castle. The whole thing is presented in a playful way and is very instructive. It is also possible to discover the monument in a playful way through a "Time Machine": the visit takes place in six stages corresponding to the six key periods that have marked the history of the castle, the guide changing costume according to the periods commented. For example, we start with a Roman soldier before meeting the Emperor Frederick III of Habsburg... A fun way to learn about the history of this place!

History. Illyrians and then Celts equipped these heights with fortifications. The Romans built a camp there. The first castle is the property of the counts of Spanheim (11th century). Frederick III of Habsburg (1415-1493) completed the original work. The chapel of St. George (1489) attracts crowds of pilgrims once a year on the first Sunday after the feast of the patron saint. It is decorated with the coat of arms of the Dukes of Carniola. The castle dates from the 16th century, the earthquake of 1511 having damaged the medieval part. The tower of the castle (1848) replaces the one destroyed by the French troops in 1813, before their withdrawal from the Illyrian Provinces. Hospital and military camp between 1815 and 1895, the castle also served as a prison until the end of the last century. Nearby, a monument, erected by Stojan Batič (1974), pays tribute to the peasant revolt (16th century).

The brochures are written in English, German and Italian. In French, however, they are becoming more and more numerous. And don't hesitate to ask for the national brochures on accommodation (thematic, hotels, campsites or farm inns) as well as on the main natural sites (hiking, cycling). If you are staying in Ljubljana for several days, it is worth buying the Ljubljana Urbana Card, which is valid for up to three days and gives you free access to public transport and museums.

This garden, founded in 1810, at the time of the Illyrian Provinces, contains more than 4,500 species, a third of which are local. Its affiliation with the University of Ljubljana enables it to be at the forefront of research and teaching and to play a major educational role in the safeguarding and knowledge of endangered species. Its imposing greenhouse, built for the 200th anniversary of the garden, is home to some strange tropical species.

The city's largest park began to take shape in 1813 according to the plans of the French engineer Jean Blanchard. Today, it covers almost 5 km2 and is divided into three parts by large avenues of chestnut trees. Geometric paths, flower squares, beautiful trees, numerous statues, fountains and a training path with accessories for outdoor exercises, the place is ideal for relaxation a few hundred meters from the center. Beautiful view from the top of Rožnik and its memorial Ivan Cankar.

This museum, located in the lively Metelkova district, presents the work of largely unknown artists from the alternative scene in Central Europe. The aim of the exhibition is to bring emerging contemporary art from the region into dialogue with more established Western European art. There are several landmark works by internationally renowned artists such as Marina Abramović and Kasimir Malevich. The large library brings together nearly 70,000 works.

The National Gallery of Slovenia is the central institution of ancient art in Slovenia. It holds the largest collection of Slovenian plastic works - from the early Middle Ages to the 20th century. The first exhibition in the permanent collection of Slovenian art dates back to 1933 in the Narodni Dom building in 1896 and was built according to the designs of František Škabrout, the Czech architect (Cankarjeva cesta 20). The collection follows a chronological order: from the Gothic plastic works of the 13th century to the paintings of the Slovenian Impressionists at the beginning of the 20th century.

The presentation of the medieval sculpture is enriched by the regional particularities of this period. Baroque art of the 17th and 18th centuries determines the works of Carniolan painters such as Valentin Metzinger, Anton Cebej, Fortunat Bergant and Franc Jelovšek as well as wood carving. The collection of 19th century paintings expresses the evolution of painting: it begins with the portraits and regions of Biedermeier, continues with the romantic landscapes and late realism of the 19th century and ends with impressionism. The opuses of Jožef Petkovšek, the works of the Šubic brothers, Ivana Kobilca and Anton Ažbe express great interest. 19th century sculpture is represented by the works of Alojzij Gangl, Alojzij Repič, Ivan Zajec and other historical representatives. The works of sculptors such as Franc Berneker, Svetoslav Peruzzi and Lojze Dolinar are marked by more modern trends. With the paintings of Impressionists Ivan Grohar, Rihard Jakopič, Matija Jama and Matej Sternen, the collection extends into the 20th century, but rather into the period of efforts to consolidate national art. In 1997, the permanent collection was placed in the new added building, otherwise known as the European Painters' Picture Gallery. The works are arranged according to nationalities and schools (Italian painters, Spanish school, French painters, Flemish and Dutch painters, German and Central European painters, as well as 19th and 20th century painters). The glass entrance, which was built in 2001, and two exhibition rooms are intended for temporary exhibitions or events.

In general, this place has an undisguised enthusiasm, accentuated by the friendliness of the staff as well as by the popularized presentation of the works and artists, accessible to people who do not know how to read Slovenian.

The building was designed by the architect Vladimir Hrasky in 1885. The ceiling frescoes are painted by Janez and Jurij Šubic. The permanent collections are devoted to prehistoric art, ethnology, fauna and flora. In the square there is a statue of the Slovenian historian Valvasor (1641-1693). The most interesting curiosity to discover is the famous Neanderthal flute, sixty thousand years old, considered the oldest musical instrument in the world.

It was built after the Second World War. The building was designed by Edvard Ravnikar. The permanent collection is composed of paintings, sculptures, but also touches the photography or graphic arts. The latter are honored during the International Biennial which takes place every odd year in the museum. The descriptions in English give a clearer picture of Ljubljana's role as the cultural capital of Yugoslavia.

The Tivoli Castle is renovated between 1983 and 1989 to accommodate larger exhibitions than those of the Biennale. The place is loaded with history. In the th century, there was a tower. Another building, Podturn, that is, "below the tower" succeeds him, property of Baron Apfaltern. He succeeded in defending the castle of attacks carried out by the counts of Celje. The castle was renovated in the th century by the Jesuits who managed the park and became the prince bishop's seasonal residence. In the middle of the 1860 th century Count Radetzky became owner and the city of Ljubljana became a recipient in. Now the international centre of graphic art, temporary exhibitions are often reduced according to the themes selected in these few rooms.

It is a great classic but still very enjoyable. The company offers a small cruise on the river Ljubljanica. This allows visitors to cross the city at the leisurely pace of a walker. A trip that is worth the detour because it allows you to discover the old town in a different way. For our more romantic readers, there is a special cruise with champagne service on board!

This museum of architecture was created in 1972. The descendant of Plečnik, who died in 1971, left the city the legacy of the great architect. A stroll in this district of the capital, Trnovo, and a visit of the place is a must. A way to better understand this great creator, through his living and working environment, imbued with his presence. There is a collection of impressive models of the great man's innovative architectural projects, in Ljubljana of course, but also in Belgrade, Vienna and Prague. His workshop is full of little treasures.

The former Yugoslav military district of Metelkova has been completely rehabilitated as a cultural site. The ethnographic museum now appears as the Quai Branly of Ljubljana: new, modern and playful. The first part of the museum is dedicated to the cultures of other continents: American Indians, Central African Pygmies, Indonesian and Australian culture. The second part, by far the most interesting, presents Slovenian culture and traditions: ancient objects, traditional clothing, pottery, tools retracing the life of the 14th century.

The Municipal Museum in Ljubljana is one of the most electrifying museums in Slovenia and is well worth seeing. In recent years, this beautifully renovated palace has been offering a great multimedia experience for all ages. It retraces the history of Ljubljana in a clear and concise manner through permanent and temporary exhibitions. Inside the museum there is also a coffee bar and a bookshop. Much more than just another ordinary municipal museum, the Ljubljana City Museum offers an educational and chronological approach accessible to all history lovers. The basement displays the Roman remains of the former Emona. On the second floor there are chronologically arranged rooms that offer concise and intelligent analyses of the complex relationship between the city and its generations of inhabitants and rulers. This construction of a complex identity serves as a backdrop for Ljubljana's chronological progression and its promotion as a respected cultural and intellectual capital throughout Central Europe. The educational activities, aimed at a young audience, are a real success through an innovative question-and-answer game. The only regret: a rather light treatment of the contemporary period of Slovenian Ljubljana. Still, it is one of the most interesting museums in the country, especially for family audiences!

A pearl of exciting information! This museum, located in the baroque castle of Cekin, in the middle of the Tivoli Park, offers its visitors a chronological journey through the Slovenian 20th century. The rooms are reconstructed with meticulous attention to detail and a sense of detail - embellished here and there by striking objects from the various political phases - which make the museum very lively and accessible to all types of public, both connoisseurs and novices.

Not far from Ig, the old swamps host one of the country's most beautiful churches. External horizontal lines agree with this flat earth. However cold and austere, they don't let you guess the interior architecture, a haven of peace bathed with heat. A modern temple with its wooden structure decorated with geometric motifs, the use of brick and copper, and these columns that make progress towards the sacred place. Plečnik has just blocked our certainties.

This strange museum offers attractions that are worth the trip, such as the famous Vortex, a kind of passage where the illusion literally makes us turn our heads, or the Upside Down Room, an upside down room where the visitor does not really have his feet on the ground. This world of dreams will certainly please the young public. The photo is king to stage his visit on social networks: selfie poles are arranged in each room for this purpose

Erected at the end of the ^19th century and dedicated to higher education in 1919, the building played a symbolic role in 1991, when the country's independence was proclaimed. It was also used to celebrate the country's accession to the European Union in 2004. To the south-east of the university, two street names, Židovska steza and Židovska ulica, bear witness to the Jewish presence in the Middle Ages. Jews arrived here in the early ^14th century and lived here until 1515, when they were expelled by Emperor Maximilian.

A team of enthusiasts have decided to share their knowledge of Ljubljana and its secrets with travelers. As you stroll through the city, you'll discover little corners of the city, taking an interest in graffiti: stickers, graffiti in special styles, political messages, the claims of activists and LGBTQ defenders... An original and instructive way to discover a not-so-wise Ljubljana, and to discover the world of street-art.

The church is not open for sightseeing. However, during special events, it is possible to visit it. The Križanke was the seat of the order of the Teutonic Knights in the mid-13th century. It was the only church of this order on Slovenian soil. Only a few polished elements remain from their church, including the famous relief of the Krakovska Madonna (Mary on the Throne), which adorned the main portal, built in 1270 and kept in the National Gallery

Miklošičeva Cesta leads from Prešeren Square, between the church and Galerija Emporium, to the bus and train stations. Most of the great architects of the early ^20th century, inspired by the Viennese Secession, contributed to the buildings that line this thoroughfare.

The Grand Hotel Union (1903), the city's best-known and most luxurious hotel, was the headquarters of the Soča Front High Command (World War I).

Opposite, at no. 4, the Caisse de Credit Populaire dates back to 1907 and proudly displays its white facade with blue checks. It was designed by Josip Vancaš.

At no. 8 stands the Vurnikova hiša, home to the Cooperative Bank.This surprising, strangely exotic building was designed by Ivan Vurnik in 1922. Helena Vurnik designed the geometric motifs. In the entrance hall, Janez Krek (1865-1917), priest and one of the leaders of the Christian social movement, is honored.

Miklošič Park (Miklošičev Park) between Dalmatinova Ulica and Tavčarjeva Ulica was the only park laid out during the Art Nouveau period, laid out by Maks Fabiani in 1902. The Krisper house (Krisperjeva hiša), designed by Fabiani, features delicate arabesque friezes on the second-floor windows.The Palace of Justice, from the same period, dominates the northern part of the square. On the western corner, the Čuden building (Čudnova hiša) is the work of Ciril Metod Koch, also responsible for the attractive Hauptmann building on Prešeren Square.