Some architectural standouts

• The entrance of Slovenian Parliament building is flanked by beautiful figures said to remind members of Parliament that they are here to serve people.
• The Franciscan Monastery, and the Church of the Annunciation in Prešernov trg square, the central square in Ljubljana.
• On Miklosic Street near Preseren Square is the colorful ornate City Savings Bank. Don’t let the prosaic name put you off, this building is a colorful kaleidoscope.
• The National and University Library, designed by Plecnik, has an unusual mix of brick and stone, but Plecnik also thought visitors should stop and enjoy the view, with raised benches to alter your vantage point.
• Kongresni trg square (Congress Square) for 18th and 19th century architecture. The Slovenian Philharmonic building, and the Neo-Renaissance building of the Opera House.

Festivals and Events

With its rich history and architecture anytime is an excellent time to visit. But for additional reasons, try one of the many festivals and events held during the years. Here's a sampling.

• Feel, Live, Create! held from July until the end of August at locations throughout the city. Artists from all over the world come for this festival of classic culture.
• Dream Festival held in August for lovers of books and music as well as theatre, stand-up comedy and more. Events are free.
• International Festival of Contemporary Arts- "City of Women" in the beginning of October brings together about four dozen female artists and intellectuals.
• Ljubljana International Biennial of Graphic Art Fifty years of art prints and more in September/October of odd numbered years.
• Exodos Festival of contemporary performing art festival warms up the winters focusing on body languages and their role in performance art.
• LIFFE- Ljugljana International Film Festival in November brings movies from all over the world -- award winners of film festivals in Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Rotterdam and more.
• Ana Desetnica celebrates street theater at the end of June to the beginning of July

Lodging

Everything from luxury hotels to hostels. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Union which was superbly located. Out the door and into the heart of historic Ljubljana. It was completed in 1905 and was one of the most modern hotels in Europe. Today it is still lovely, gracious, and modern.

Getting to the City

There are buses and mini-buses from the airport into town, and a railroad system that has the capital city as its hub. And once in the city it’s easy to walk, although taxes and public buses are available.

For more information visit Slovenia.info

Slovenia? Slovakia? Two different places

Slovenia reclaimed its independence when the country of Yugoslavia became the independent countries of Slovenia, Macedonia, Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. But the country formerly known as Czechoslovakia became Czech Republic and Slovakia. Enjoy more of the confusion at: Ljubljana-life.com

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