Ljubljana - first impressions and historical background

Monday, 10 March 2025 00:00
Written by Portal Editor

After arriving at the Camper Stop Princeplatz in Visjna Gora, we had a little bit in the place itself, also to explore the extremely attractive solution to reach the center of Ljubljana by train.

During the day, almost continuously half-hour there is the possibility to get to the city by train from Visjna Gora, the camper can safely stay on the site at the tennis court. Already for the next morning we wanted to use this possibility for the first time.

Ljubljana even received the honorary title “Reformation City of Europe”

Ljubljana is now the political, economic and cultural center of Slovenia. In 2016, Ljubljana was even awarded the title of "Reformation Town of Europe" by the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe. In the German-speaking world the name Ljubljana is still being used with the historic German name Laibach, which is still common in Austria. For the origin of the Slovenian name of the city, there are two basic explanations: the first one comes from ljubljena ("beloved city"), the other by the Latin river name aluviana.

Already from the early history of human settlements there are finds, so remains of the earliest sea containers (pile dwellings) from about 3600 to 3100 BC could be found in the Ljubljana moor. Between 1000 and 700 BC first Illyrian and Venetian settlements existed and around 400 BC the period of the Celts followed. In the 1st century BC a military fortress was erected by the Romans on the site of today's Ljubljana. In 14 AD the Roman settlement Emona (Colonia Emona Iulia tribu Claudia) was created. It was situated on the site of today's Ljubljana, but it was lost in the international migration and is therefore only a predecessor settlement of today's city.

Around 600, the Slavs came into the area, followed by a decline of Emona. Around 800 the area of Ljubljana fell under the rule of the Franks. The period between 1112 and 1125 is the period of the first written records of Ljubljana. The first documentary mentioning of the town dates from 1144. The settlement, founded by the Spaniards, was called city for the first time in 1220. In 1243, its market rights and its city wall were documented. In 1280 the inhabitants were called "cives".

In 1335, Ljubljana became the capital of the duchy of Carniola, which belonged to the Holy Roman Empire, among the Habsburgs. In 1415, Ljubljana resisted a Turkish invasion.
In 1511 Laibach experienced its first great earthquake. In 1536, Protestants established a professional Latin school in the gymnasium. In 1597, the Jesuits arrived in Ljubljana, which two years later established their own gymnasium. In 1693 the founding of the Academia Operosum followed, an association of the most distinguished scholars, and in 1701 the founding of the Academia Philharmonicorum followed this sample.

Railway connection Ljubljana–Vienna

In 1849, the railroad connection Laibach-Vienna, the Austrian southern railway, was built and in 1857 as an extension, the connection Ljubljana-Trieste was opened. In 1861 the public gas lighting was introduced and in 1890 the construction of the public water supply followed. After a devastating earthquake, Laibach pledged itself to a modern appearance in 1895. In 1898 the public electric lighting was introduced. Three years later, 1901, the introduction of the electric tram in Ljubljana followed.

In 1945, Ljubljana became the capital of the People's Republic of Slovenia in the Federative People's Republic of Yugoslavia. In 1958 the tram was shut down. In 1980 the Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito died in Ljubljana. In 1991 the city of Slovenia celebrated independence.

The coat of arms of Ljubljana shows a green, winged dragon on a tower above a city wall, we meet the symbol of the city several times on our tour. The city is famous for its architectural monuments, planned by Jože Plečnik, as well as for its well-preserved inner city, including:

the old town, which is a protected monument
• the Autonomous Youth Center Metelkova
• Jože Plečnik buildings, such as the Three Bridges (Tromostovje), NUK - the Slovenian National Library, Tivolipark
• the castle
• the Cathedral of St. Nicholas according to the plans of the Roman Jesuit Andrea Pozzo
• The Archbishop's Palace
• the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation at Prešernov trg To France Prešeren)
• the town hall
• The Serbian Orthodox Church of St. Cyril & Methodius
• Slovenian National Gallery
• the Moderna Galerija Art Museum

On the southern edge of the Rožnik Forest Hill is the Zoo, about 30 minutes walk from the town center.

Ljubljana, on the other hand, resembles an Austrian city, but has a special Mediterranean young flair, thanks to its old town, the architecture of Plečnik's cultural circles, the many cafes along the river and the temperate climate.

In the summer, especially in August, various music events take place in the old town and on the castle, including the Music Academy in Ljubljana.

Tourism in the city has been experiencing a strong upturn for years, and room prices have also risen accordingly. Probably the one who is coming with an own camper has an advantage.

Ljubljana - First impressions and a little history

A charming capital full of culture, history and joie de vivre

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a city that you won't forget in a hurry. It combines historical elegance with modern charm and is one of the greenest and most livable capitals in Europe.

Anyone coming to Ljubljana for the first time will be amazed by the relaxed atmosphere, the picturesque streets of the old town and the lively cultural scene.

In this blog we take you on a journey through the first impressions that Ljubljana leaves on visitors and take a look at the exciting history of this fascinating city.

First impressions - What makes Ljubljana so special?

Although Ljubljana is one of the smaller European capitals with around 300,000 inhabitants, it has an impressive variety to offer. Even on a first walk you notice that the city is clean, quiet and incredibly charming.

1. A city of bridges

The Ljubljanica River runs through Ljubljana, and beautiful promenades with numerous cafes and restaurants stretch along the water. The most striking are the unique bridges, including:

The Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most) – The symbol of the city with the legendary dragon figures.
The Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) – An architectural masterpiece by the famous Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik.
The Butchers Bridge (Mesarski most) – Known for the many love locks that couples attach to the railings.

2. The Old Town – A living open-air museum

The Old Town of Ljubljana is a labyrinth of narrow streets, charming squares and impressive Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings. Particularly worth seeing are:

Prešeren Square, the heart of the city with the Franciscan Church.
St. Nicholas Cathedral, a magnificent baroque church with impressive ceiling frescoes.
The Town Hall and Robba Fountain, two impressive buildings with Venetian influences.

3. Ljubljana Castle - A view over the city

Ljubljana Castle towers over the city and offers stunning views over the Old Town and the surrounding hills. It can be reached on foot or by cable car. In addition to the historical exhibition, the castle also has a restaurant and function rooms that are often used for cultural events.

A little history - The development of Ljubljana

Ljubljana has a long and fascinating history, shaped by Romans, Habsburgs and modern developments.

Antiquity - Emona, the Roman settlement

The history of Ljubljana dates back to Roman times. The Roman city of Emona was founded here in the 1st century AD. Parts of the Roman walls and ruins can still be seen in the city today.

Middle Ages - From trading centre to capital

In the Middle Ages, Ljubljana became an important trading centre and developed into a prosperous city under the rule of the Habsburgs. Many of the buildings that still exist today date from this period.

The Habsburg period - A cultural centre

From the 14th to the 20th century, Ljubljana was part of the Habsburg Empire and later the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. During this period, many important buildings were built in the Baroque and Art Nouveau styles, which still characterise the cityscape today.

20th century - The road to independence

After the First World War, Ljubljana became part of the newly founded Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). During the Second World War, the city was occupied by the Italians and later by the Germans.

After the war, Ljubljana became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia within Yugoslavia. It was not until 1991, when Slovenia gained independence, that Ljubljana became the capital of the new sovereign state.

Ljubljana today – A modern, sustainable and vibrant city

Today Ljubljana is a dynamic, young and sustainable city. It was awarded the "Green Capital of Europe" in 2016 and is strongly committed to environmental protection and sustainable mobility.

1. Car-free city center – A paradise for pedestrians

Ljubljana's city center is largely car-free, which makes exploring particularly pleasant. Instead, locals rely on bicycles or the electric minibus "Kavalir", which can be used free of charge.

2. Cultural highlights – Museums, art and festivals

Ljubljana offers a rich cultural scene with many museums, theaters and festivals. Particularly recommended are:

The Slovenian National Museum – The best address for an overview of the country's history.
The Museum of Modern Art – With works by Slovenian and international artists.
The Ljubljana Festival – An annual cultural highlight with concerts, plays and open-air events.

3. Culinary – Discover Slovenia's cuisine

Ljubljana is also a great place to try Slovenian specialties. Particularly popular are:

Štruklji – Stuffed dough rolls with various fillings, sweet or savory.
Kranjska Klobasa – The famous Slovenian sausage.
Potica – A traditional Slovenian nut cake.

Many of the best restaurants can be found on the river bank, where you can enjoy the picturesque atmosphere.

Best time to visit and tips for your visit to Ljubljana

✔ Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are ideal as the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.
✔ Getting there: Ljubljana has its own airport and is easily accessible by train or bus from Austria and Italy.
✔ Accommodation: From charming boutique hotels to cozy guesthouses, there are many great places to stay.

Conclusion - Ljubljana, a city to fall in love with

Ljubljana is a city that you fall in love with at first sight. It is small but lively, historic but modern. The mix of stunning architecture, friendly atmosphere and a fascinating history makes it a perfect destination for a city trip.

If you visit Slovenia, you should definitely not miss the capital - it offers the best of history, culture and enjoyment in a relaxed, green environment.

Have you been to Ljubljana? Share your impressions in the comments!

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