Sights

Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad)

The castle towers on the 376 m high castle hill and is Ljubljana's landmark. The current complex dates from the 12th–16th centuries but has been extensively restored and now houses a museum, a chapel, a café, and a viewing tower with a 360° panorama over the city, the Julian Alps, and the Karawanks. You can reach it by funicular (4€ return) or on foot through the forest (15 minutes). In summer, concerts and film screenings take place in the castle courtyard. Castle entry: 15€ (including funicular).

Triple Bridge & Prešernov trg

Plečnik's Tromostovje (Triple Bridge, 1932) is one of the most ingenious pieces of urban planning in Europe: three parallel bridges over the Ljubljanica, connecting the modern city district with the medieval old town. The adjacent Prešernov trg with the pink Franciscan Church (1660) and the statue of the poet France Prešeren is both a meeting point and a landmark.

Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most)

The Dragon Bridge (1901) with its four copper-green dragons is Ljubljana's unofficial symbol. One of the first reinforced concrete bridges in Europe, built in Art Nouveau style. Legend has it that the dragons wag their tails when a virgin crosses the bridge.

Plečnik's Ljubljana

The legacy of Jože Plečnik permeates the entire city—here are the most important works:

• National Library (NUK) — Plečnik's masterpiece (1941): The facade of brick and natural stone symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. The door is made of black marble, and the inner staircase leads from the dark entrance to the light-flooded reading room. Tour: 10€.
• Central Market (Tržnica) — The market halls along the Ljubljanica, with the famous colonnade and the open stairs to the river. Plečnik transformed the riverbank into an ancient forum.
• Žale Cemetery — Plečnik's monumental cemetery entrance (1940) with columns, arcades, and a chapel—architecture of sublime beauty.
• Plečnik House — The former residence and studio of the master is now a museum. Original furnishings, designs, and the garden. Entry: 8€.

Tivoli Park

Ljubljana's green lung (5 km²) begins a few minutes' walk west of the center. Old plane trees, a baroque promenade path (designed by Plečnik, of course), and Tivoli Castle with the Museum of Contemporary Art. Perfect for joggers, walkers, and families. In winter, the hill behind it (Rožnik) becomes a sledding paradise.