Tuesday May 9, 2017
We love Ljubljana. With bridges over its namesake river, cafe-lined streets, and chic stores, Ljubljana has the feel of Paris, without the crowds and traffic. The center of the city is pedestrian only, but you must look out for the bikes - many residents and students commute this way! Suffering an earthquake in 1895, Ljubljana was rebuilt in the art nouveau style and later heavily influenced by the architect, Jože Plečnik. As Gaudí is to Barcelona, so Plečnik is to Ljubljana.
Our hotel, the Vander Urbani, is in the city center with cafes lining its riverfront street. We began the day literally spinning around Prešeren Square with Rick Steves. Once oriented, we moved on to the colorful riverside market, up the funicular to the hill top castle, then down to the cathedral. In addition to his bridges, we were able to explore Plečnik's National and University Library. Along the way we were treated to some wonderful experiences - a caligrapher in the castle's Chapel of St. George, some impromptu acapella singers, and at the University Library, an exhibit of illuminated manuscripts from the late 1400's.
After a great meal at Güzina, we had planned for some night photography and a trip to the top of the 1933 Art Deco skyscraper, Nebotičnik for a drink, but alas the rain began.....
Plečnik's Triple Bridge and Prešeren Square
The Dragon Bridge - the symbol of Ljubljana
Cooperative Bank
The Market
Butcher's Bridge
The Castle
.......and Puppet Museum
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas
.......and it's magnificent doors telling the story of Ljubljana
Plečnik's National and University Library
And the riverwalk...
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