Walk with Sandra: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Ljubljana, Slovenia - 20 September 2007

I must have passed through five or six toll booths on my way from Vienna to Ljubljana; traffic was sparse, perhaps because it was a Thursday. The hostel was relatively easy to find, save for a brief moment of getting lost (nothing new there). Parking, however, proved tricky, so I opted to leave the car in a garage overnight, paying the daily rate of €22 (though I ultimately paid just €14.90 the next morning). I would consider it as another parking ticket - speaking of which, I paid one this very morning before leaving Vienna. The fine was €21, but with commission, I ended up paying €23.80 at the post office. Lovely.

Tanya at Fluxus Hostel was great to chat with - she seemed to think I was great for being taller than most Asian women and for having lived in so many places. Gee, thanks, I guess. One night there set me back €64.83, booking fee included, for the three of us.

As for Ljubljana itself, it’s relatively small, and I’d say one full day is plenty to explore the city’s main sights: the center and the castle, mainly. Oh, and those "Three Bridges" that Lonely Planet called a must-see? I definitely wasn’t expecting them to be that close together!

Above right: The Franciscan Church of the Annunciation is a beloved focal point in Prešeren Square.

Above: The Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) near Prešeren Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of three bridges spanning the Ljubljanica River, connecting the medieval old town with the modern city center.

Above: Our hearty lunch was €30, including tips.

Above: Robba Fountain, also known as the Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers, stands in front of the Town Hall

Above: True to most cities with rivers and canals, Ljubljana is charming and romantic.

Above left: This Prešeren Monument is dedicated to Slovenia’s national poet France Prešeren. It stands in Prešeren Square, a central location in Ljubljana.

Above right: The Baroque interior of the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation

Above left: Cooperative Business Bank building, designed in 1921, is an example of Art Nouveau architecture, specifically influenced by the Vienna Secession style. The building embodies the Slovene National Style, blending geometric patterns and vibrant colors inspired by Slovenian folk art.

Above: Our hike up Castle Hill (376 m above sea level) to Ljubljana Castle, a medieval fortress originally built in the 11th century and reconstructed between the 15th and 17th centuries.

Above: A breathtaking panoramic view of Ljubljana from the Outlook Tower at Ljubljana Castle. Entry to the tower, including access to the immersive 3D video experience, cost €2.04.

Above right: The Castle Chapel of St. George at Ljubljana Castle dates back to the 15th century.

Above: Multiple coats of arms in the Castle Chapel of St. George ~ this chapel is known for these heraldic symbols, which represent noble families and provincial rulers who once governed the region.