LJUBLJANA, THE BELOVED CITY

A Story of the European Green Capital

This is a story of the European Green Capital 2016. Because of its green soul, Ljubljana has a very relaxing atmosphere. More than 5000 years ago, the inhabitants of Ljubljana Marshes created the first wooden wheel in the world. Right there, the Greek hero Jason apparently defeated Ljubljana‘s dragon. Ljubljana has always been creative and inspiring. Publicist and writer Manca recommends to enjoy a coffee with the best city view on the top of the legendary Ljubljana skyscraper.

The culture of the early inhabitants of Ljubljana Marshes is on the UNESCO heritage list. The Ljubljana dragon is a friendly symbol of Ljubljana.

Reading and reviewing new books are Manca‘s favourite passions. She likes to invite friends to a book-club picnic. The romantic Koseze pond with its lake is not far from the centre of Ljubljana and close to the Path of Remembrance and Comradeship, which surrounds the entire city and is a paradise for sport activities. Laughter and running is half of your health, is the motto of Ljubljana’s citizens. The Tivoli Park is the largest green area in the centre of the Slovenian capital.

Walking along the streets of the city centre, which is closed for traffic, gives you a magical feeling of freedom and peace. Manca‘s friends, including David, who works as a television presenter, follow a green, active and healthy lifestyle. »I like to go to the Library Under the Treetops and cross the Butcher‘s Bridge, which keeps so many locked secrets of love. The name Ljubljana is pronounced almost the same as the Slovenian adjective beloved.«

The freshly renovated Slovenska cesta street marks the beginning of the Ljubljana city centre.

Ljubljana is one of the few European capitals with natural drinking water. David, like many other citizens, enjoys drinking fresh water from one of the city‘s public drinking fountains. The Central Ljubljana market is an important social centre, where delicious and fresh local delicacies from all over Slovenia never run out. The Open Kitchen food market is open every Friday, from May to October, where top chefs prepare their fresh delicacies for visitors to enjoy.

One of the thirty-one Ljubljana’s public drinking fountains on the Kongresni trg square.

Ljubljana’s architecture combines styles from the Middle Ages, Baroque, Art Nouveau and Modernism periods.

»The most famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik shaped the character of Ljubljana in the 20th century and created the Triple Bridge which became the social heart of Ljubljana,« Manca explains. The promenade that crosses the three bridges leads you to the lively enbankment of the Ljubljanica River with numerous inns and cafés.

Ljubljana is also the capital of culture. Visit the Ethnographic museum and explore the ethnological past of the country between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Nearby is the centre of alternative urban culture, Metelkova mesto, with numerous night clubs and concerts. Manca never misses a good festival. Each year Ljubljana hosts more than 10.000 events.