Tourist guide

2 Getting to Ljublja

na 6

10 C

ulture 42

11 A

ccommodation 46

12 Eating out 48

13 Entertainment and nightlif

e 54

14 Shopping 58

15 Sports and recreation 60

16 Ljublja

na for fa

milies 62

17 Excursions fr

om

Ljubljana 66

18 Practical in

formation 70

1 W

elcome 4

3 City m

ap 10

4 Getting around 16

5 Tourist information 20

6 City tours 22

7 City w

alk: seeing

the sights of Ljublja

na 26

8 Ljubljana through history 34

9 Museums and galle

ries 38

Contents

5 Welcome

Ljubljana essentials— CapitaloftheRepublicofSlovenia,a

EuropeanUnionmemberstatesince2004— Area:275sqkm(170.8sqmi)— Population:280,000— Officiallanguage:Slovenian;peoplein

SloveniaaregenerallywellversedinEnglish,thoselivingneartheAustrianandItalianbordersalsoinGermanandItalian

— Climate:continental,withJanuarytemperaturesaveraging–1.5andJulytemperatures21.7degreesCelsius

— Heightabovesealevel:298m(623ft)— Symbol:LjubljanaDragon— Currency:euro(since2007)— Timezone:GMT+1hour— Countrycode:+386,areacode:(0)1— Populationdensity:1,014peoplepersqkm— GPScoordinates:14.5057(E),46.0518 (N)— Studentpopulation:approx.60,000— Safety:Ljubljanatopsthelistofthe

world’smosthonestcities(Reader’sDigest,2008).

Legend about the origin of LjubljanaLjubljana is said to be founded by the Greek mythological hero Jason, who had stolen the golden fleece from King Aetes and fled from him, along with his fellow Argonauts on the ship Argo, across the Black Sea and up the rivers Danube, Sava and Ljubljanica all the way to the source of the latter. There the Argonauts disassembled their ship to be able to carry it to the Adriatic Sea, put it together again, and return to Greece. On their way to the sea, they made a stop at Ljubljana Marshes, the dwelling place of a monster, which Jason fought and killed. The monster, now referred to as the Ljubljana Dragon, found its place atop the castle tower depicted on the Ljubljana coat of arms.

1 W

elcome

It is often said of Ljubljana, both by its residents and those visiting it, that it is a city made to the measure of man. On the one hand, it ranks among mid-sized European cities and offers all the comforts of big capitals, while on the other, it has preserved a small-town friendliness and a uniqueness of its own. During winter, it is its dreamy central European character that prevails, and during summer, its relaxed Mediterranean feel. The city’s character is marked by two widely differing and yet complementary features: Ljubljana is famed for its historical heritage and tradition while being a relatively young city with a modern lifestyle. Scientists and academics find it attractive for the international reputation of its university, world renowned artists for its vibrant and creative spirit, businessmen for staging a lot of business events and trade fairs, and all kinds of experts for being a delightful convention city.

7 GettingtoLjubljana

2 Getting

to Ljubljana

Ljubljana lies between Vienna and Venice, at a crossroads of important transport routes from northern Europe to the Adriatic Sea and from western to eastern Europe and further on to the Balkans and the Near East. Its geographical location overlaps with that of the so called Ljubljana Gateway, a natural passage between central Europe and the Mediterranean.

By car or motorcycle

LjubljanaliesatthecrossroadsofSlovenia’smostimportantroadroutes.Motorwayaccessfromanyoftheneighbouringcountriesiseasy.Amsterdam1236km,Venice249km,Belgrade539km,Berlin995km, Brussels1188km,Budapest572km,Vienna375km,Frankfurt800km,Graz202km,London1498km,Madrid2041km,Milan495km,Moscow2293km,Munich408km,Paris1250km,Prague649km,Rome753km,Salzburg290km,Split428km,Stockholm2082km,Trieste110km,Zagreb134km,Zürich710km.

Road toll vignette

AroadtollvignetteisrequiredfordrivingonSlovenianmotorwaysandtrunkroads.Annual,monthlyandweeklyvignettesareavailableforfour-wheeledvehicleswithamaximumgrossvehicleweightof3,500kilograms,andannual,six-monthandweeklyvignettesfortwo-wheeledmotorvehicles.Vignettescanbepurchasedatallpetrolstations,mostnewspaperkiosks,andsometollboothsandshoppingcentresinSlovenia.Theyarealsoavailableatsomeoftheneighbouringcountries’petrolstationslocatedclosetotheborder.Formoreinformation,visitthewebsiteatwww.dars.si.

Parking

Ljubljanacitycentrehasseveralchargingcarparksandparkinggarages.Short-termparkingisallowedinthestreetswithintheshort-termparkingzoneuponpurchasingaparkingticket.Freemotorcycleparkingisavailableindesignatedmotorcycleparkingbays,mostofthemlocatedattheedgeofpedestrianareas.Finesareimposedforillegalparking.Thereareseveralelectriccarchargingstations.

Traffic Information Centre for Public Roads: T: +386 (0)1 518 85 18, E: info@promet.si, W: www.promet.si

Roadside assistance: Automobile Association of Slovenia/AMZS, Dunajska cesta 128a, T: +386 (0)1 530 53 00, +386 (0)31 646 464, E: info.center@amzs.si, W: www.amzs.si

8

By trainInternationalrailconnectionstoLjubljanaaregood.Railisalsoaconvenientmeansoftransportwithinthecountryasdistancesaremainlyshortandtravelcostslow.TheLjubljanaRailwayStation,whichalsohousesatouristinformationcentre,islocatedinthecitycentre.

Ljubljana Railway Station,Trg Osvobodilne fronte 6,T: +386 (0)1 291 33 32,W: www.slo-zeleznice.si

By busTherearegoodbusconnectionstoLjubljanafrommostofEurope.BustravelisoneofthemostconvenientformsofpublictransportforshorttripstoLjubljana’ssurroundingareasortootherplacesinSlovenia.TheLjubljanaBusStationislocatedinthecitycentre,nexttotheRailwayStation.

Ljubljana Bus Station,Trg Osvobodilne fronte 4,T: +386 (0)1 234 46 00,W: www.ap-ljubljana.si

GettingtoLjubljana

Ljubljana

Bled,Salzburg AUT

Maribor, Graz, Vienna , Budapest

AUT

H

Novo mesto, Zagreb CRO

Postojna, Koper,Triest, Venice ITA

�

By planeThecountry’smainairport,LjubljanaJožePučnikAirport,is26kilometresawayfromLjubljana(30minutesbycar).ItservesflightstomostofEurope’smajorairports.

Transport connections between the airport and the city

ThereisdailybusservicebetweentheairportandtheLjubljanaBusStation.Thefareis€4.10.Theridetakes50minutes.Foradetailedtimetable,visitwww.ap-ljubljana.siTheairportisalsoconnectedbyshuttlebus(from€5.00to€19.00,detailsontheairportwebsiteunder:gettinghere/busses)andtaxi(from€30.00to€45.00).

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport/ Letališče Jožeta Pučnika, Zgornji Brnik 130a, T: +386 (0)4 202 12 20, W: www.lju-airport.si

11 Ljubljanamap

3 Ljubljana m

ap

12 13 LjubljanamapLjubljanamap

14 15 LjubljanamapLjubljanamap

17 Gettingaround Left:BikesinLjubljana

Urbana – Ljubljana Tourist Card

UsingUrbana–LjubljanaTouristCardisthebestwayforexploringthecity.Apartfromfreetraveloncitybuses,cardbenefitsincludeadmissiontoLjubljanaCastle,thecity’smajorgalleriesandmuseumsandseveralothersights,onefreeguidedcitytour,freebicyclehire,freeinternetaccess,andmuchmore.Youcanchoosefromone-,two-orthree-daycards,pricedat€23.00,€30.00and€35.00,respectively.ThecardisavailablefromLjubljana’stouristinformationcentresandhotelsandthewebsiteatwww.visitljubljana.si.

City bus Apartfromcycling,citybustravelisthebestwaytogetaroundLjubljanaasthebusnetworkcoverspracticallytheentirecityanditssurroundingareas.Totraveloncitybuses,youneedeithertheUrbanatop-upcitycardortheUrbana–LjubljanaTouristCard.TheUrbanatop-upcitycardisavailablefromtheLjubljanaBusStation,mostnewspaperkiosks,alltouristinformationcentresandseveralotherlocations,butnotonbuses.Itispricedat€2.00andcanbetoppedupwithanyamountofmoney.Thefareis€0.80.Itcoversanupto90-minutejourneyregardlessofthenumberofbusesneededtobechangedtoreachthedestination.Fordetailedtimetables,visitthewebsiteatwww.jh-lj.si/lpp.

Bicycle hire Duringthewarmmonths,cyclingisoneofthemostpleasantwaysofgettingaroundLjubljana.AspartoftheprojectLjubljanaBike,runbyLjubljanaTourism,thecity’stouristboard,bicyclescanbehiredinthecitycentrethroughoutthesummerandduringtheearlyautumnmonths.

Hireprice:€1.00foranuptotwo-hourhireperiod,€5.00forhireperiodsofmorethantwohours(bicyclesmustbereturnedbeforetheclosingtimeoftheSlovenianTouristInformationCentre).

Hirelocation:SlovenianTouristInformationCentre(STIC),whereyoucangetinformationaboutotherhirelocations.

Taxi InthecentreofLjubljanayoucaneasilyfindanunoccupiedtaxi.Bearinmind,however,thatthefarewillcostyoulessifyouorderataxibyphone.Chargesrangebetween€0.80and€1.50forafixedstartfeeandfrom€0.70to€1.70perkilometre.Itmaybewisetoenquireaboutthechargesbeforegettingintothecar.

Toorderoneofthetwoeasilyrecognizabletaxisallowedaccesstopedestrianareas,call+386(0)41677082or+386(0)70500900.

4 Getting around

Kavalir Within the city centre pedestrian area, during summer you can get around by the so called Kavalir or the Gallant Helper, a small electric vehicle running daily from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. T: +386 (0)31 666 331 or +386 (0)31 666 332.

18 19Gettingaround Gettingaround

21 Left:InternetcorneratSTICTouristinformation

5 Tourist

information

Ljubljana has three tourist information centres, one of them providing information about the entire country. Apart from obtaining tourist information, you can get tourist brochures, purchase tickets to various events, book accommodation, pay for guided city tours, book excursions around Slovenia, and buy souvenirs (those most authentic are branded as “Souvenir of Ljubljana”). At the Slovenian Tourist Information Centre you can also browse the internet or hire a bicycle.

Tourist Information Centres

Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre (TIC)

Stritarjevaulica,T:+386(0)13061215,E:tic@visitljubljana.siOpendaily,8:00-21:00from1Junto30Sep,8:00-19:00from1Octto31May.

Slovenian Tourist InformationCentre (STIC)

Krekovtrg10,T:+386(0)13064576,E:stic@visitljubljana.siOpen8:00-21:00dailyfrom1Junto30Sep,8:00-19:00weekdaysand8:00-15:00Saturdaysfrom1Octto31May.Publicholidaysclosed.

Tourist Information Office at Ljubljana Railway Station

TrgOsvobodilnefronte6,T:+386(0)14339475,E:ticzp@visitljubljana.siOpen8:00-22:00dailyfrom1Junto30Sep,10:00-19:00weekdaysand8:00-15:00Saturdaysfrom1Octto31May.Publicholidaysclosed.

Website at www.visitljubljana.si

Thewebsiteatwww.visitljubljana.si containsinformationonallthatLjubljanaanditssurroundingareashavetoofferandprovidesabundantpracticalinformationtohelp

visitorsfindtheirwayaroundthecityandfeelcomfortable.Theentirecontentofthewebsiteisprintableandcanbeusedasacityguide.Amobilephoneversionofthewebsite,calledm.visitljubljana.si,isavailabletotheusersofinternet-enabledmobilephones.

My Visit – planyour visit

AvisittoLjubljanacanbeefficientlyplannedusingtheMyVisitplanningtool,availableonthewebsiteatwww.visitljubljana.si.ThetoolenablesyoutocreateyourowntimetableofactivitiesbasedoneverythingyouwanttodoandseeinLjubljana.Yourplancanincludeaccommodation,events,sights,guidedcitytours,excursions,shops,restaurants,andsportsandrecreationalactivities.Loginatwww.visitljubljana.si/myvisit.

Ljubljana on Social Networks Connect to Ljubljana Tourism via social networks and follow our activities on the internet. FollowusonTwitter(www.twitter.com/visitljubljana).BecomeourfanonFacebook(www.facebook.com/visitljubljana).CheckoutourvideosonYouTube(www.youtube.com/TourismLjubljana)

23 Left:RegularcitytourCitytours

6 City tours

Ljubljana has a lot to offer regardless of the season or weather. It has a large number of sights, picturesque areas, and delightful nooks and crannies as well as a wealth of stories and legends. Join a city tour and let an experienced guide show you Ljubljana at its best.

Regularly scheduled city tours

Ljubljana city walk and funicular ride

Thistwo-hourtour,startingfrominfrontoftheTownHall,includesawalkpastthecity’smajorsightsandafunicularridetoLjubljanaCastle.Itisavailableat10a.m.dailyfrom1Aprilto11Octoberandat11a.m.dailyfrom12Octoberto30May.

Ljubljana city walk and boat ride

ToseeLjubljanafromacompletelydifferentperspective,jointheone-and-a-half-hourguidedwalkoftheoldcitycentrefollowedbyahalf-hourtouristboatride.Thetour,departingfrominfrontoftheTownHall,isavailableat2p.m.dailyfrom1Aprilto11October.

Ljubljana city walk and tourist road train ride

AwalkingtourofthesightsoftheoldcitycentreisfollowedbyatouristroadtrainridetoLjubljanaCastle,whichoffersthemostsplendidviewsofthecity.ThetourdepartsfrominfrontoftheTownHallat5p.m.dailyfrom1Aprilto11October.

Town Hall tour

Thisone-hourtour,departingSaturdaysat1p.m.fromthesquareinfrontoftheTownHall,isledbyaguidewearingthetraditionalcostumeofLjubljana.

Tours available by prior appointment

Ljubljana city walk

Thisguidedwalkingtourincludesallthemajorsightsoftheoldcitycentre.Thetourdeparturepointandlanguagecanbearrangedonbooking.

Themed city tours

Apartfromregularlyscheduledgeneraltours,thereisawiderangeofspeciallythemedtourstochoosefrom,includingthewalkingtoursofBaroque,ArtNouveauandPlečnik’sLjubljana,atourtracingthefootstepsofthegreatestSlovenianpoetFrancePrešeren,atourofLjubljana’schurches,atourthemedonthestoriesandlegendsaboutLjubljana,atourforseniorvisitors,afull-orhalf-daytourofLjubljana,aliterary-themedcitytour,andaspecialadventuretourentitledDragonCode.

All regularly scheduled tours of Ljubljana are guided in Slovenian and English. Other language options are available by appointment. Purchase your tour ticket from a tourist information centre and save €1.00.

Tour information and booking: Ljubljana’s tourist information centres T: +386 (0)1 156 12 30, E: tic@visitljubljana.si.or via the online booking form at www.visitljubljana.si

24 Citytours

Ljubljana cycling tour

Thistwo-hourtour,availablefromApriltoNovember,isledbyspeciallyqualifiedguides.

Special experience tours

Boat tour

Takingaguidedornon-guidedboattour,youcanviewLjubljana’sbridgesandthefaçadesofmanyofthecity’sfamousbuildingsfromacompletelydifferentangle.

Hot-air balloon flight over Ljubljana

Ahot-airballoonflightincludingapanoramicaerialcitytourisatrulyuniqueadventure.Informationonhot-airballoonflightsisavailablefromtouristinformationcentres.

Exploring the city with a digital tour guide

WhynotembarkonatourofLjubljana’smajorsightsonyourown,equippedwithadigitaltourguideavailableforhireforaperiodoffivehoursfromLjubljana’stouristinformationcentres.

Make a present of an unforgettable experience to your loved ones, friends or business partners.Visit a tourist information centre and purchase a gift voucher for a regularly scheduled city tour or a hot-air balloon flight over Ljubljana.

27 Citywalk Left:Prešernovtrgsquare

Ljubljana Old Town Thecentreoftheoldest,medievalpartofLjubljanacomprisesthreesquares:Mestnitrg,StaritrgandGornjitrg.

Mestni trgisdominatedbytheTown Hall 1 ,a15thcenturybuildinghousingthegovernmentoftheCityofLjubljanaandholdingcountlessmemoriesofthecity’spast.InthesquareinfrontofthebuildingstandsthereplicaofFrancescoRobba’sfamousFountain of Three Carniolan Rivers 2 (theoriginaliskeptattheNationalGallery).Thebuildingatno.17MestnitrgisadornedwithabustofGustav Mahler,whoconductedtheLjubljanaPhilharmonicSocietyinthe1881-1882season.Souvan House,locatedatno.24,isremarkableforitstypicalBiedermeierfaçadedecoratedwithreliefssymbolicallydepictingagriculture,artandcommerce.ArchitecturallyinterestingisalsotheDrofenig House,anArtNouveaubuildingwhoseblackmarbleprefabricatedfaçadeisconsideredtobeoneofthemostsuccessfulexamplesofintegrationofamodernstyleintothecity’shistoricalarchitecture.

AtthepointwhereMestnitrgblendsintoStaritrg,donotmisstheCobblers’ Bridge 3 ,conceivedbythearchitectJožePlečnikasasquareabovewater.Itsnamereferstothecobblers’workshopswhichusedtooccupythebridgeinthepast.

Stari trgistheearliestsettledpartofmedievalLjubljana.AlmostallofitsbuildingsdatefromtheBaroqueperiod.Particularlyworthviewingisthethree-storeySchweiger House 4 atno.11a,whichboastsoneofLjubljana’smostbeautifulLateBaroquefaçades.OnthesouthendofthesquarestandstheHercules Fountain 5 .

TheGornji trgsquareusedtobethesiteofoneofthetowngatesofmedievalLjubljana.Someofitsbuildingshavepreservedtheirmedievalorientationwithroofridgesfacingthesquare.Thecentral

partofthesquareisdominatedbytheChurch of St. Florian 6 .

TheLevstikov trgsquarewasdesignedbythearchitectJožePlečnik.InfrontoftheChurch of St. James 7 standsSt.Mary’sColumn,erectedin1681asathanksofferingfortheSlovenianlandshavingbeensparedfromTurkishoccupation.AcrossthestreetfromthechurchstandsGruber Palace 8,whichhousestheNationalArchivesofSlovenia.ThepalacewasbuiltbytheJesuitarchitectGabrielGruber,bestknownforhisdesignsfortheGruberChannel,adrainageprojectdivertingsurpluswaterfromtheriverLjubljanica.

CrosstheŠentjakobBridgeandtakeawalkalongtheBreg 9 embankment.Breg’smostremarkablebuildingisZois Palace 10 ,oncethehomeofBaronŽigaZois,thecentralfigureoftheEnlightenmentinSloveniaandarenownedpatronofarts.Atthefarendoftheembankment,aviewoftheNovi trgsquarewillopenupbeforeyou,dominatedbythebuildingoftheSlovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts 11 .

TheNovitrgarea’smostprominentbuildingisunquestionablytheNational and University Library 12 ,builtbetween1935and1940todesignsbythearchitectJožePlečnik.Apartfromnumeroushistoricalmanuscriptsandearlyprints,itkeepssamplecopiesofallthepublicationspublishedinSlovenia.

Trg Francoske Revolucije Square and Vegova Ulica Street

TrgfrancoskerevolucijesquareisdominatedbyKrižanke 13 ,originallyamid13thcenturymonasterycomplexfoundedbytheGermanKnightsoftheCross.SincethealterationsmadetodesignsbyJožePlečnikinthe1950’s,asummertheatre,bestknownforhostingeventsoftheLjubljanaFestival.

7 City w

alk:

seeing the sights

of Ljublja

na

28 Citywalk 29 Citywalk

Onthelowerend,thesquareisoverlookedbyAuerspeg Palace,onceownedbytheprovincialgovernorgeneral.Today,thebuildinghousestheCity Museum of Ljubljana 3 (seeMuseumsandgallerieschapter).Inthecentreofthesquarestandsamonument 14 erectedinthememoryoftheNapoleonicEmpire’sIllyrianProvinces(1809-1813).

WalkingdowntheVegova ulica 15 street,youwillfollowthecourseofamedievaltownwall(atoweroftheperiodstillstandsattheendofthestreet)andatownwalloftheRomancityofEmona.LiketheKrižankesummertheatre,VegovaulicawaslaidoutbyJožePlečnik.

Kongresni Trg Square TheKongresnitrgsquarewasnamedafterthe1821CongressoftheHollyAlliance,thepoliticalsettlementoftheNapoleonicWars.ThesouthendofthesquareisoverlookedbythebuildingoftheUniversity of Ljubljana 16 ,formerlythehomeandofficeofprovincialgovernordeputies.NexttoitstandsthebuildingoftheSlovenian Philharmonic 17 ,thesuccessorofAcademiaPhilharmonicorum,oneoftheworld’soldestmusicalinstitutions,foundedin1701.ItshonorarymembersincludedtheviolinistNiccolòPaganiniandthecomposersJosephHaydn,LudwigvanBeethovenandJohannesBrahms.GustavMahlerwasamongitsconductors.

Inthesquare’spark,knownasZvezda 18 ,standsthereplicaoftheEmonian,aRomanstatuediscoveredin1836,duringtheconstructionoftheneoclassicalKazina 19 building.

Kongresnitrg’sUrsuline MonasteryandChurch of the Holy Trinity 20 areconsideredtobethemostbeautifulandextraordinaryexamplesofBaroquearchitectureinLjubljana.Thechurch’shugemainaltarwascreatedbyFrancesco

Robba.Infrontofthechurch,theHolyTrinityColumnwaserectedin1693asathanksofferingforthecityhavingbeensparedfromtheplague.

IntheimmediatevicinityyouwillfindthebuildingwhichusedtohousetheGermanTheatrewhenLjubljanawasstillabilingualcity.TodayitisthehomeoftheSlovenian National Drama Theatre of Ljubljana 21 ,oneofthecountry’sforemosttheatrecompanies.

Trg Republike Square Trgrepublike,Ljubljana’slargestsquare,waslaidoutbythearchitectEdoRavnikarinthe1970’s.OnitswestendstandstheMonument to Revolution 22 ,andonitsnorthendtheSlovenian Parliament 23 buildingwiththeTombofNationalHeroesnexttoit.Thesquare’svastcentralarea,whereSlovenianindependencewasdeclaredon25June1991,isintendedformassgatherings.OtherbuildingsaroundthesquarearetheCankarjev dom 24 culturalandcongresscentre(largestauditoriuminSlovenia,2,000seats)andtheLjubljanska bankaandTR3officebuildings.

Tivoli Park Tivoli,Ljubljana’slargestpark,extendsintotheverycitycentre.Thepark’sJakopič Promenade 25 ,usedasanopen-airgallery,leadstoTivoli Mansion,thehomeofLjubljana’sInternational Centre of Graphic Arts 19 .AshortwalkawayisCekin Mansion,whichhousestheNational Museum of Contemporary History 7 .TheTivoli Sports and Recreational CentreislocatedtoonesideoftheJakopičPromenadeandtheTivoli Glasshouse 26 andafishpondtotheother.A15-minutewalkfromthePromenadebringsyoutotheLjubljana Zoo 27 .

Onyourwayfromtheparktothecity’sArtNouveauareamakesurenottomisstheMuseum of Modern Art 18 ,theNational Gallery 17 ,theNational Museum of Slovenia 1 ,underthesameroofwiththeSlovenian Museum of Natural History 8 , andthebuildingoftheSlovenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ljubljana 28 .Continuepastthe12-storeyNebotičnik 29 building,constructedin1933.Measuring70metreshigh,atthetimeofitsconstructionitwasconsideredtobethehighestbuilding

intheBalkansandtheninthhighestinEurope.Rightontop,itboastsmostpanoramiccaffeinLjubljana.

Art Nouveau Ljubljana MostofLjubljana’sArtNouveaubuildingswereconstructedinthefirstdecadeofthe20thcenturyintheareabetweentheoldcitycentreandtheLjubljanaRailwayStation,aroundMiklošičev park 30 andalongtheMiklošičeva ulica street.ParticularlystrikingisthecolourfulCooperative Business Bank 31 building,alsoknownas“VurnikHouse”afterthenameofitsarchitect.

Prešernov Trg Square PrešernovtrgisnamedafterthegreatestSlovenianpoet,France Prešeren(1800-1849),whosestatue 32 gracesthecentreofthesquare,facingthereliefofJulijaPrimic,thepoet’sgreatlove,mountedonabuildingacrossthesquare.PrešerenisparticularlyfamousforhispoemA Toast (Zdravljica),adoptedasSlovenia’snationalanthem.HeisalsorememberedforhisendeavourstomodernizetheSlovenianlanguage.

ThemostmajesticbuildingonPrešernovtrgistheFranciscan Church of the Annunciation 33 ,asplendidexampleofearlyBaroquewithamonasterynexttoit.ThesquareisalsothesiteoftwofineexamplesofArtNouveauarchitecture:Urbanc 34 andHauptman Houses 35 .

TheTriple Bridge 36 wasbuiltbetween1929and1932,whentwosidebridges,intendedforpedestrians,wereaddedtotheoriginalstonebridgebyJožePlečnik,thecreatorofthisuniquearchitecturalgem.

The roman city of EmonaIn Ljubljana you can still see numerous remains of Emona, the Roman predecessor of Ljubljana, whose foundation stone is believed to have been laid by the Roman Emperor Augustus in 14 BC. The best preserved part of Emona is its southern town wall 44 , including the city’s main southern gate and two postern gates reconstructed by the architect Jože Plečnik between the two World Wars. Also preserved is Emona’s main northern town gate 53 . Ljubljana’s better known Roman remains also include the Emonian, a gilded bronze statue whose replica stands in the Zvezda park, not far away from the site where it was excavated. Roman remains are also on display at the National Museum and the City Museum of Ljubljana. The latter manages several open-air historical locations, including the Early Christian Centre 54 in the Erjavčeva ulica street and the Jakopič Garden 45 in the Mirje area, where the remains of a roman house are on display.

30 Citywalk 31 Citywalk Left:Ljubljanamuseum

11p.m.between1Mayand30September.Thecastle’sOutlook Tower,whichoffersthemostbeautifulviewsofLjubljanaanditssurroundingareas,andVirtual Museumareopenalsofornon-guidedvisits.Visitorsarewelcomedaily,from10a.m.to6p.m.between1Octoberand30Aprilandfrom9a.m.to9p.m.from1Mayto30September.Guidedtoursoftheentirecastle,ledbyspecialiststaff,areavailable.ApartofthecastlehousesapermanentexhibitionentitledSlovenian History,whichshowsthedynamichistoryofSloveniaandLjubljana.Thecastleisaccessiblebyfunicularrailway,touristroadtrainoronfootviaseveralwell-maintainedwalkingpaths.

The Suburbs of Krakovo and Trnovo

KrakovoandTrnovoareconsideredtobeLjubljana’soldestsuburbs.Theywerebuiltoutsidethecity’smedievaltownwallsandhaveretainedtheirvillagecharactertothepresentday.Inthepast,theresidentsofKrakovoandTrnovoweremostlyfishermen.Today,thetwosuburbsarebestknownfortheirgardensandgardeners,thesocalledsaladladiesofTrnovo(trnovčanke),whocontinueacenturies-longtraditionofsellingtheirproduceattheCentralMarket.Thisareaalsohasaboomingcaffeandculturallife.

Ifyoutakeawalkaroundthearea,donotmisstheremainsoftheRomancityofEmona.VisittheRoman Wall 44 andtheJakopič Garden 45 open-airarchaeologicalmuseum,partoftheCityMuseumofLjubljana.

Thereisaspecialstorybehindthe18thcenturyTrnovo Church 46 ,whereFrancePrešeren,thegreatestSlovenianpoet,firstsawhisgreatloveJulijaPrimic,towhomhededicatedhismostbeautifulsonnets.InfrontofthechurchstandstheTrnovo Bridge 47 ,aworkbythearchitectJože

Vodnikov Trg Square ThecentralpartofVodnikovtrgisthesiteofLjubljana’sCentral Market 37 ,laidoutinthe1930’sbyJožePlečnik.Apartfromfruits,vegetables,herbsandflowers,marketstallsofferpracticallyanykindoffood,includingSlovenianspecialitiessuchasprosciuttoandthepoticacake.

AtthepointwhereJožePlečnikmadeagapintheCentralMarket’scolonnadetoprovidespaceforabridge,theButchers’ Bridge 38 hasbeenbuiltrecently.

OnesideoftheCentralMarketislinedbytheBaroqueCathedral of St. Nicholas 39 ,whoseinteriorowesitsspecialcharmtofrescoesbyGiulioQuaglio.TheCathedral’suniquemainentrancedoorreliefdepictsthehistoryofChristianityonSlovenianlands,anditssideentrancedoorreliefportraitsofthe20thcenturyBishopsofLjubljana.NexttotheCathedral,theSeminary Palace 40 buildinghousestheuniqueSeminaryLibrary,anotherjewlofBaroqueart.

OntheothersideofthemarketstandstheDragon Bridge 41 ,Ljubljana’sfirstArtNouveaucreation,builtin1901.

VodnikovtrgsquareblendsintotheKrekov trg square 42 ,famousfortheLjubljanaPuppetTheatre’sinterestingroof turret with a clock. AteveryfullhourMartinKrpan,themostfamousfictionalcharacterinSlovenianliterature,stepsoutofitalongwithhisgoodoldmare.

NexttothetheatrebuildingisthelowerplatformofthefunicularrailwayconnectingthecitycentrewithLjubljanaCastle.

Ljubljana Castle Ljubljana Castle 43 ,thecity’smostprominentlandmark,isapopulartouristattractionandapicturesqueeventvenueputtingauniquestamponthecity’sskyline.Itisopendaily,from10a.m.to9p.m.between1Octoberand30Aprilandfrom9a.m.to

Plečnik,withbirchtreesgrowingoutofit.NexttothechurchisPlečnik House 48 ,wherethefamousarchitectmademostofhisdesigns.Nowitisamuseum.

GreatplacestotakearestorapleasantriversidewalkaretheKrakovski nasip 49 andTrnovski pristan 50 embankments.AwalkalongsidetheriverbringsyoutotheLjubljana Botanic Garden.

Ljubljana Botanic Garden Foundedin1810,inthetimeoftheNapoleonicEmpire’sIllyrianProvinces,theLjubljana Botanic Garden 51 istheoldestrunningcultural,scientificandeducationalinstitutiononSlovenianlands.Itcontainsover4,500plantspecies,subspeciesandvarieties,onethirdofthembeingendemictoSloveniaandtherestoriginatingfromvariouspartsofEuropeandothercontinents.

Metelkova Mesto Alternative Culture Centre Both in Slovenia and internationally, Metelkova mesto 52 has made a name for itself as an independent centre of arts and crafts, political and NGO activity, and cultural production in the fields of music, theatre, fine arts, comic book art, video, etc. It has developed into an important centre of alternative culture, where concerts, club nights, lectures and other events featuring performers from around the world are held on a daily basis. For more information, visit the website at www.metelkovamesto.org.

Right:Metelkovamesto

Jože PlečnikThere are few cities on which a single artist has left such a strong personal imprint as that which the architect and urban planner Jože Plečnik (1872–1957) left on Ljubljana, his birthplace. Jože Plečnik is considered to be one of the world’s most important pioneers of contemporary architecture. His oeuvre left a distinct mark on three central European cities: Vienna, Prague and, in particular, Ljubljana.

Plečnik left home at the age of 16 to enrol at the School of Industry and Crafts in Graz and train as a furniture designer. In 1895 he enrolled at the department of architecture of the Vienna Art Academy, from which he graduated in 1898 as the best student of Professor Otto Wagner’s class. In 1911, he accepted the position of lecturer at the School of Arts and Crafts in Prague. He accepted an invitation from the President of the Czechoslovak Republic to take up the position of the chief architect in charge of the renovation of Prague Castle on Hradčany. In 1921 Plečnik returned to Ljubljana, where he was offered the post of professor at the University of Ljubljana. Almost all his works in Ljubljana were created in less than twenty years. He died on 7 January 1957 at his home in Trnovo and is buried in the family grave at the Žale Cemetery.

Jože Plečnik left behind some of the most important works of the European architecture of first half of the 20th century. In creating his architectural and design works he developed his own distinctive style characterized by a modernist reduction and an original synthesis of historical and modern elements. His major works in Ljubljana include the Triple Bridge, the Central Market Colonnade, the Ljubljanica River Sluice Gate, the National and University Library, the Tivoli park’s main promenade, the Cobblers’ Bridge, and the Žale Cemetery. Due to his unique design, embracing more than just architecture, the so called Plečnik’s Ljubljana rates among the 20th century’s most prominent total works of art.

More information on www.plecnik.net

GetacopyofthebrochurePlečnik’s Ljubljana,availablefromthecity’stouristinformationcentres,ordownloaditfromwww.visitljubljana.si/en/ljubljana-and-more/view-ljubljana/tourist-brochures/

Walking tour of Plečnik’s Ljubljana ThetouroffersadetailedinsightintomostofLjubljana’scentrallylocatedsightsdesignedbyJožePlečnik.

Information and bookingLjubljana’stouristinformationcentresT:+386(0)13061215E:tic@visitljubljana.si

33 Citywalk Left:Plečnik’sstudio

35 Left:JanezVajkardValvasor’sStatueLjubljanatroughhistory

8 Ljubljana

through history Ljubljana has succeeded in preserving evidence of all the periods of its rich history: the remains of the Roman city of Emona; the city centre with Renaissance, Baroque and Art Nouveau façades, lopsided roofs, ornate entrance portals and romantic bridges over the Ljubljanica river; a park stretching into the very city centre; works by Jože Plečnik, a pioneer of modern architecture.

Around3900BC,LjubljanaMarshesweresettledbylakedwellers,wholivedinwoodendwellingsbuiltonstiltsdrivenintothemarshgroundorlakebed.AtLjubljanaMarshes,archaeologistshavediscoveredtheremainsoftheworld’soldestwheel,madebetween3350and3100BC.ThewheeliskeptattheCityMuseumofLjubljana.

Earlyinhistory,theLjubljanaGateway,anaturalpassagebetweencentralEuropeandtheMediterranean,sawmigrationflowsofnumeroustribesandpeoples,includingtheIllyriansandCelts.

In14BC,theRomancityofEmonawasfoundedonthesiteofthepresentLjubljana.Itwasastrategicstrongholdwithfivetosixthousandinhabitants,mainlymerchantsandcraftsmen.ItwasdestroyedbytheHunsin452AD.

Attheendofthe6thcentury,theSlovenians’Slavicforefathersarrivedinthearea.Amedievalcitybegantobebuiltgradually.

Theearliestwrittenmentionofthecity’snameappearsinadocumentdatingfromtheperiod1112–1125.

Ljubljana’srapidgrowthbeganinthe13thcentury,whenthecity,calledLaibachatthetime,wasgrantedcityrights.

In1270,LjubljanawasconqueredbyKingOttokarIofBohemia.EightyearslateritfellundertheHapsburgruleaspartoftheProvinceofCarniola.

Aftertheearthquakeof1511,thecitywasrebuiltintheRenaissancestyleandsurroundedbyanewtownwall.

LjubljanawasthecentreoftheSlovenianReformationmovementandculture.1550sawthepublishingofthefirsttwobookseverwritteninSlovenian,PrimožTrubar’sCatechismusandAbecedarium.In1584theBiblewastranslatedintoSlovenianbyJurijDalmatin.

Theendofthe17thcenturysawthefoundationoftheAcademiaoperosorumLabacensis,ascholarlysocietymodelledonItalianassociationsofthekind.Foreignartistsandarchitects,suchasthesculptorFrancescoRobba,wereinvitedtoLjubljana,whichsoonturnedfromaRenaissanceintoaBaroquecity.

36 Ljubljanatroughhistory

1701sawtheestablishmentoftheAcademiaphilharmonicorum,oneofthefirstinstitutionsofthekindtobefoundedoutsideItaly.Honorarymembersofitssuccessor,thePhilharmonicSociety,includedtheviolinistNiccolòPaganiniandthecomposersJosefHaydn,LudwigvanBeethovenandJohannesBrahms.OneoftheSociety’sconductorswasGustavMahler.

DuringFrenchoccupation(1809-1813),LjubljanawasthecapitaloftheIllyrianProvinces.Slovenianbecameoneoftheofficiallanguages.In1821,backunderAustrianrule,LjubljanahostedtheCongressoftheHollyAlliance,participatedbyseveralEuropeanrulers.

In1849,thefirsttrainfromViennaarrivedinLjubljana.Eightyearslater,arailwayconnectingLjubljanatoTriestewascompleted.

In1895,thecitysufferedadevastatingearthquake.

LjubljanawasonlyindirectlyaffectedbytheFirstWorldWar.In1918,afterthedisintegrationoftheAustro-HungarianEmpire,itbecametheadministrative,politicalandculturalcentreofSloveniaaspartoftheKingdomofSerbs,CroatsandSlovenians.

Bythemid-1930s,Ljubljanahadapopulationofover80,000.BetweenthetwoWorldWars,itsappearancewasdramaticallytransformedbythearchitectJožePlečnik,whichledtotheterm“Plečnik’sLjubljana”beingusedinreferencetothisperiodinthecity’sarchitecturalhistory.

DuringtheSecondWorldWar,LjubljanawasoccupiedfirstbytheItalianandthentheGermanarmy.Forthreeyearsitwassurroundedwithabarbwirefence.Afterthewar,itbecamethecapitalofSlovenia,oneofthesixrepublicsconstitutingthesocialistYugoslavia.

Inaplebisciteheldon23December1990,thepeopleofSloveniavotedforanautonomousandindependentstate.Independencewasdeclaredon25June1991andLjubljanawasnamedthestate’scapital.

InMay2004,SloveniaenteredtheEuropeanUnion.In2007itadoptedeuroasitscurrency.

Lake dwellers and their legacyLjubljana Marshes are best known for the ancient culture of lake dwellers, who lived in the area 6,000 years ago as farmers, stockbreeders and hunters. They lived in wooden dwellings built on stilts driven into the lake bed. The remains of Ljubljana Marshes’ oldest lake dwellings were discovered in the vicinity of the village of Ig (10 km from Ljubljana). The best known find, kept at the National Museum of Slovenia, is a baked clay female idol dating from around 2000 BC. Remains of lake dwellings were also found in the centre of Ljubljana, on the Špica embankment.

Right:LjubljanaCastle

39 Left:NationalGalleryMuseumsandgalleries

Museums 1 National Museum of SloveniaNarodnimuzejSlovenije,Muzejskaulica1,T:+386(0)12414400,W:www.nms.siSlovenia’sleadingmuseumofnationalhistoryholdsnumerousfindsfromSlovenia,oneofthemostoutstandingbeinga55,000-year-oldNeanderthalflute.OpenMon-Sun10:00-18:00,Thu10:00-20:00.FreeadmissioneveryfirstSundayofthemonth.

2 National Museum of Slovenia – MetelkovaNarodnimuzejSlovenije–Metelkova,Maistrovaulica1,T:+386(0)12414400,W:www.nms.siTheMuseum’spermanentexhibitionpresentstheappliedartheritageofSlovenianinhabitedareas.Itbringstogetherobjectsofappliedart,industrialdesignitemsanduniquehandmadedesignitemscreatedfromthe14thcenturytothepresentday.OpenTue-Sun10:00-18:00.Publicholidaysclosed.FreeadmissioneveryfirstSundayofthemonth.

3 City Museum of Ljubljana MestnimuzejLjubljana,Gosposkaulica15,T:+386(0)12412500,W:www.mestnimuzej.siAttheCityMuseumofLjubljanayoucanviewapermanentexhibitiononthehistoryoflifeinLjubljanaentitledTheFacesofLjubljana,takeawalkalonga1stcenturyRomanroad,andmeettheWaterMan.The

museumhassetupLjubljanaCastle’spermanentexhibitionofSlovenianHistory.OpenTue-Sun10:00-18:00,Thu10:00-21:00.

4 Plečnik’s HousePlečnikovahiša,Karunovaulica4,T:+386(0)12801600,W:www.mestnimuzej.siVisitorstothehousewherethearchitectJožePlečnikspentthelastyearsofhislifecanviewthemasterarchitect’sauthenticdomesticinteriors,hisoriginalarchitecturaldrawings,andothermaterialsrelatedtohiswork.Individualvisits:Tue-Thu10:00-18:00,Sat9:00-15:00.Groupvisits(byappointmentonly):MonandFri10:00-15:00.Publicholidaysclosed.

5 Architecture Museum of Ljubljana – Fužine CastleMuzejzaarhitekturoinoblikovanje–GradFužine,PotnaFužine2,T:+386(0)15409798,W:www.aml.siTheArchitectureMuseumofLjubljanaisSlovenia’sleadingmuseumofarchitecture,urbanplanning,industrialandgraphicdesign,andphotography.ThecompleteoeuvreofJožePlečnikispresentedwithintheMuseum’spermanentcollection.OpenTue-Sun10:00-18:00.Publicholidaysclosed.

9 Museums

and galleries

9 Museums

and galleries

Being the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana has a considerable number of both national museums and those presenting the history of the city. Its leading art museums are the National Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art. Apart from those, Ljubljana has a large number of galleries exhibiting or selling art.

40 41 MuseumsandgalleriesMuseumsandgalleries

6 Slovene Ethnographic Museum Slovenskietnografskimuzej,Metelkovaulica2T:+386(0)13008700W:www.etno-muzej.siTheMuseum’spermanentexhibitionpresentsSlovenianandnon-Europeanculturalheritagerelatedtoeverydayandceremoniallife.OpenTue-Sun10:00-18:00.FreeadmissioneverylastSundayofthemonth.

7 National Museum of Contemporary History MuzejnovejšezgodovineSlovenije,Celovškacesta23T:+386(0)13009610W:www.muzej-nz.siTheMuseum,dedicatedtopresentingSlovenianhistoryfromthebeginningofthe20thcentury,keepscollectionsontheFirstandSecondWorldWars,theperiodbetweenthetwowars,theSocialistperiod,andtheestablishmentofSloveniaasanindependentstate.OpenTue-Sun10:00-18:00.Publicholidaysclosed.FreeadmissioneveryfirstSundayofthemonth.

8 Slovenian Museum of Natural History PrirodoslovnimuzejSlovenije,Muzejskaulica1T:+386(0)12410940W:www.pms-lj.siTheMuseumholdsextensivezoological,botanicalandgeologicalcollectionsincludingpracticallyallplantandanimalspeciesandmineralsofSlovenia.OpenTue-Sun10:00-18:00,Thu10:00-20:00.Publicholidaysclosed.FreeadmissioneveryfirstSundayofthemonth.

9 Virtual Museum Virtualnimuzej,Grajskaplanota1T:+386(0)12329994W:www.ljubljanafestival.siTheVirtualMuseum,locatedattheLjubljanacastles(outlooktower),isSlovenia’sfirstmuseumbasedonvirtualrealitytechnologyandpresentsthehistoryofLjubljana.Opendaily,10:00-18:00from1Octto30Apr,9:00-21:00from1Mayto30Sep.

10 Slovenian School Museum Slovenskišolskimuzej,Plečnikovtrg1T:+386(0)12513024W:www.ssolski-muzej.siTheMuseumkeepsalargecollectionofobjectsandmaterialsonthehistoryoftheeducationsystemandpedagogyinSlovenianlands.ParticularlyinterestingisademonstrationentitledSchoolLessonsofourGranniesandGrandpas.OpenMon-Fri9:00-16:00,everyfirstSundayofthemonth10:00-14:00.Publicholidaysclosed.

11 Railway Museum Železniškimuzej,Parmovaulica35T:+386(0)12912641W:www.burger.si/MuzejiInGalerije/ZelezniskiMuzejTheMuseumhousesapermanentcollectionofhistoricalrollingstock(steamlocomotives,carriages,andotherrailroadvehicles),anexhibitiononthemainrailwaydepartments,andanartgallery.OpenTue-Sun10:00-18:00.Publicholidaysclosed.

12 Brewery Museum Povovarskimuzej,Pivovarniškaulica2T:+386(0)14717330W:www.pivo-union.siTheMuseum’scollectionoffersacomprehensiveoverviewofthehistoryofLjubljana’sPivovarnaUnionbrewery,beerproduction,andactivitiesrelatedtobrewing.Open8:00-13:00everyfirstTuesdayofthemonth.

13 Tobacco Museum Tobačnimuzej,Tobačnaulica5T:+386(0)14777344W:www.tobacna.siTheMuseumpresentstobaccoproductmanufacturingprocesses,theuseoftobaccoproducts,andthelifestyleoftobaccoworkersofthepast,withafocusonfemalecigarrollers.Open10:00-18:00everyfirstWednesdayandthirdThursdayofthemonth.

14 Sports Museum Muzejšporta,Kopitarjevaulica4T:+386(0)14318340TheMuseumisdedicatedtothehistoryofsportsinSlovenia.OpenMon-Fri9:00-14:00.Publicholidaysclosed.

15 Slovenian Theatre Museum Slovenskigledališkimuzej,Mestnitrg17T:+386(0)12415800TheMuseumrunstemporaryexhibitionsontheatrearts.OpenMon-Fri10:00-13:00and17:00-19:00,Sat10:00-13:00.

16 a Technical Museum of Slovenia TehniškimuzejSlovenije,Bistra6,1353BorovnicaT:+386(0)17506670W:www.tms.siTheMuseum,setintheancientBistraCastle,housescollectionsonagriculture,textileengineering,transport,forestry,woodprocessing,electricalengineering,hunting,fishing,andprinting.OpenTue-Fri8:00-16:00(10:00-18:00inJulandAug),Sat9:00-17:00,Sun10:00-18:00.ClosedfromDectoMar.

16 b Technical Museum of Slovenia/Museum of Post and TelecommunicationTehniškimuzejSlovenije/MuzejpošteintelekomunikacijePolhovGradec611355PolhovGradecT:+386(0)13640084W:www.tms.si

Art museums and galleries

17 National Gallery Narodnagalerija,Prešernovacesta24T:+386(0)12415418W:www.ng-slo.siTheNationalGalleryholdstwopermanentcollections:ArtinSlovenia,coveringtheperiodfromthe13thcenturytothefirstquarterofthe20thcentury,andEuropeanPaintings.OpenTue-Sun10:00-18:00.FreeadmissioneveryfirstSundayofthemonth.

18 Museum of Modern Art Modernagalerija,Cankarjevacesta15T:+386(0)12416800W:www.mg-lj.siTheMuseumpresentsexhibitionsofpaintings,sculpturesandprintsby20thcenturySlovenianandinternationalartists.Everyoddyear,ithostsanexhibitionaspartoftheLjubljanaInternationalBiennialofGraphicArts.OpenTue-Sun10:00-18:00.Publicholidaysclosed.FreeadmissioneveryfirstSundayofthemonth.

19 International Centre of Graphic Arts Mednarodnigrafičnilikovnicenter,PodTurnom3T:+386(0)12413800W:www.mglc-lj.siApartfromholdingacollectionofprintsfromthe20thcenturytothepresentday,theCentrehostscontemporaryartexhibitionsfeaturingartistsfromhomeandabroad.OpenWed-Sun11:00-18:00.

20 City Art Museum MestnagalerijaLjubljana–MGML,Mestnitrg5T:+386(0)124117W:www.mestna-galerija.siTheMuseumhoststravellingexhibitionsofworkbySlovenianandinternationalartistsofvariousfineartdisciplines.OpenTue-Sat10:00-18:00(10:00-14:00and17:00-20:00from1Julto31Aug),Sundaysandpublicholidays10:00-13:00.

21 Tivoli Park Gallery Open-airgalleryonTivoliPark’sJakopičPromenadeW:www.visitljubljana.si

22 ŠKUC Gallery GalerijaŠKUC,Staritrg21T:+386(0)14213140W:www.galerija.skuc-drustvo.siOpenTue-Sun12:00-20:00.Publicholidaysclosed.

23 Cankarjev Dom Gallery GalerijaCankarjevdom,Prešernovacesta10T:+386(0)12417100W:www.cd-cc.siOpenMon-Sat10:00-19:00,Sun10:00-14:00.

Contemporary art connoisseurs from around the world are probably most familiar with the work of the artists of the so called Ljubljana School of Graphic Art and the artistic group Irwin, whose avant-garde concept known as Neue Slowenische Kunst, formulated in the 1980s, has resulted in one of the most interesting and at the same time most provocative artistic oeuvres in the history of contemporary art.

43 Left:LjubljanaFestivalCulture

10 C

ulture Ljubljana is a city of culture boasting, among other things, one of the world’s oldest philharmonics and the oldest jazz fastival in Europe. Each year it hosts over 10,000 cultural events, from prestigious musical, theatre and art events to those pertaining to alternative and avant-garde culture. Musical life in Ljubljana reflects the city’s characteristic blend of rich tradition and youthful vibrancy. There are several venues hosting opera and ballet performances. The Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ljubljana’s distinguished ensemble performs an extensive repertoire of classical and contemporary works. Ljubljana is also one of the more important centres of theatre in this part of Europe, particularly its progressive, innovative and thought-provoking strands. Even the language barriers are often broken down by the interesting approaches used by the city’s artists.

Festivals

Spring

Slovenian Music DaysMarchThisfestivalpresentsaprogrammeofclassicalmusicconcertsfeaturingmainlyworksbycontemporarySloveniancomposersperformedbyrenownedSlovenianorchestrasandsoloists.W:www.sigic.si

ExodosAprilThisannualinternationalfestivalofcontemporaryperformingartsbringstogethercontemporarytheatreanddanceartistsfromaroundtheworld.W:www.exodos.si/intro.html

Druga godbaMayTheDrugagodbafestivalofethnic,worldandcontemporaryjazzmusicranksamongEurope’sbestfestivalsofslightlyalternativemusicdifficulttofitneatlyintomusicalcategories.W:www.drugagodba.si

Secondary School Graduates’ ParadeMayTheannualSecondarySchoolGraduates’Parade,featuringaquadrilledanceperformedbysecondaryschoolgraduatesinthestreetsofSloveniancities,hasenteredseveraleditionsoftheGuinness Book of Recordsasaworldrecordbreakingsynchronousdance.

Summer

June in LjubljanaJuneEachyearinJune,citylifeinLjubljanaisenlivenedbyaseriesoffreeeventsheldinthePrešernovtrgsquare.Theeventstakingplaceinthemorningaremainlyintendedforchildren,afternoonsarereservedforlightdanceandmusicshows,andeveningsfortopqualitydance,theatreandmusicperformances.

Ljubljana Jazz Festival June,JulyEachyear,theLjubljanaJazzFestival,Europe’soldestfestivalsofthekind,attractstheattentionofmusicloversfromhomeandabroadbyfeaturingtheworld’sbiggestnamesinjazz.W:www.ljubljanajazz.si

Pride ParadeJune,JulyLjubljana’sannualPrideParadedrawsattentiontohomophobia,discriminationagainstGLBTcommunity,andtheinadequacyofthelegalregulation.W:www.ljubljanapride.org

Ana DesetnicaJulyShowcasingcontemporarytrendsinstreettheatrecreativity,theAnaDesetnicainternationalstreettheatrefestivalbringstogetherstreetperformers,musicians,dancersandactorsfromSloveniaandabroad.W:www.anadesetnica.org

Mini SummerJuly,AugustTheMiniSummerinternationalpuppetfestivalisintendedforchildrenandthosefeelinganaffinitywithartforchildren.W:www.mini-teater.si

44 45 CultureCulture

Ljubljana FestivalJuly,AugustTheLjubljanaFestival,establishedin1953,representsthepinnacleofwhattheSloveniancapitalhastoofferintermsofcultureandart.ItslongtraditionofpresentingaprogrammeoftopartisticeventsfeaturinginternationallyrenownedperformerscontributessignificantlytotheculturallifeofLjubljana.W:www.ljubljanafestival.si

TrnfestAugustTheTrnfestinternationalsummerfestivaloffersavariedprogrammeofeventsfeaturingSlovenianandinternationalartistsinthefieldsofmusic,theatre,dance,film,finearts,andphotography.W:www.kud-fp.si

Summer in Ljubljana Old Town June,July,AugustThissummerfestivaladdstothevibrancyofcitylifeinLjubljanabypresentingaprogrammeofmainlyfreeclassicalmusicconcerts.IttraditionallyconcludeswiththeNightsinLjubljanaOldTown,whichsymbolicallymarktheendofLjubljana’ssummereventseason.W:www.imagosloveniae.net

Young LionsAugustEachyear,thisinternationaldanceandtheatrefestivalbringstogetherperforminggroupsandsoloartistsremarkablefortheiruniquecreativeapproachestotheatreanddance.W:www.bunkerproductions.org

Emona PromenadeAugustTheEmonaPromenadefestivalturnsapartofthecityintoanopen-airtheatreandcreativeworkshopvenuefullofartistsfromaroundtheworld.Visitors,bothyoungandold,cantrytheirhandatcircusskillsandvariousgames.W:www.kud-fp.si

Ex PontoSeptemberThisinternationalfestivalfocusesoncontemporarytheatreproductionsdealingwithsociallyrelevantthemes.Itisaccompaniedbyexhibitions,danceperformances,multimediaprojects,filmscreenings,concerts,etc.W:www.exponto.net

Autumn

International Biennial of Graphic ArtsSeptember,OctoberOveritsmorethan50-yearhistory,theLjubljanaBiennialofGraphicArtshasgrowntobetheworld’sbiggestandoneofthemostrecognizedeventsofthekind.W:www.mglc-lj.si

Ljubljana MarathonOctoberTheLjubljanaMarathonconsistsofaclassicalmarathon(42km),ahalfmarathon(21km)andseveralrecreationalrunsofvaryinglengths.Alltheracesareheldwithinthewidercitycentrearea.W:www.ljubljanskimaraton.si

BIO – Biennial of Industrial DesignOctober,NovemberBIOisaprestigiousbiennialinternationalexhibitionofindustrialdesignproducts,visualcommunications,anddesignconcepts.W:www.bio.si

City of WomenOctoberThisinternationalfestivalofcontemporaryartsisdedicatedtocontemporaryfemaleartisticcreativity,particularlythesociallyconsciouspartofit.W:www.cityofwomen.org

LIFFe – Ljubljana International Film FestivalNovemberTheLIFFefestivaloffersaninsightintotheverybestinEuropeanandinternationalfilmproduction.W:www.liffe.si

Ljubljana Wine RouteNovemberOnSt.Martin’sDay,whengrapemustofficiallyturnstowine,thoseattendingtheevententitledLjubljanaWineRoutecantastemanydifferentyoungwinesandculinarydelightsservedfromstallssetupinfrontofbarsandrestaurantsintheoldcitycentre.W:www.ljubljanskavinskapot.si.

Winter

Gay and Lesbian Film FestivalNovember,DecemberFoundedin1984,theLjubljanaGayandLesbianfilmfestivalistheoldestfilmfestivalofthekindinEurope.

December in LjubljanaDecemberInDecember,thefestivelydecoratedoldcentreofLjubljanahostsavariedprogrammeofeventsintendedforpeopleofallagesandtastes.ThefestiveatmosphereculminatesintheNewYear’sEvecelebrationsheldinthecity’sthreemainsquares.

AnimatekaDecemberThemain,competitionsectionoftheAnimatekainternationalanimatedfilmfestivalincludesshortanimatedfilmsproducedineasternandcentralEurope.Othersectionsandretrospectivescreeningsfeatureanimatedfilmsfromaroundtheworld.W:www.animatekafestival.org

Shrovetide CarnivalFebruaryLjubljana’straditionalShrovetideCarnivalincludesalargecarnivalprocessionthroughthestreetsofLjubljanaandaprogrammeofentertainmentforchildrenandadults.TheprocessionconsistsofgroupsoftraditionalandthemedcarnivalfiguresfromSloveniaandabroad.

Concert venuesand Cultural centres

Stožice Sports Park’s Stadium and ArenaŠportniparkStožice

Cankarjev dom Cultural and Congress Centre C5Prešernovacesta10,T:+386(0)12417122,W:www.cd-cc.si

Gospodarsko raztaviščeLjubljana Exibition and Convention CentreDunajskacesta181000LjubljanaT:+386(0)13002611W:www.gr-sejem.si/

Slovenian Philharmonic Hall D5 Slovenskafilharmonija,Kongresnitrg10,T:+386(0)12410800,W:www.filharmonija.si

Križanke Summer Theatre D6Trgfrancoskerevolucije1,T:+386(0)12416026,W:www.ljubljanafestival.si

Dvorana Tivoli Sports Hall B2Celovškacesta25,T:+386(0)14315155,W:www.zavod-tivoli.si

Cvetličarna Club Kranjčevaulica20,T:+386(0)31217672,W:www.cvetlicarna.info

Kino Šiška Centre for Urban Culture Trgprekomorskihbrigad3,T:+386(0)30310100,W:www.kinosiska.si

Metelkova mesto Alternative Culture Centre G3Masarykovacesta24,W:www.metelkovamesto.org

KUD France Prešeren arts and Cultural Centre D8Karunovaulica14,T:+386(0)12832288,2832299,W:www.kud-fp.si

Španski borci Cultural Centre Zaloškacesta61,T:+386(0)14306770,W:www.spanskiborci.si

Theatre and opera

Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ljubljana C4SNGOperainbaletLjubljana,Župančičevaulica1,T:+386(0)12411740,W:www.opera.si

Slovenian National Drama Theatre of Ljubljana D5SNGDramaLjubljana,Erjavčevacesta1,T:+386(0)12521511,W:www.drama.si

Ljubljana City Theatre D4MestnogledališkeLjubljansko,Čopovaulica14,T:+386(0)12510852,W:www.mgl.si

Šentjakob Theatre F5Šentjakobskogledališče,Krekovtrg2,T:+386(0)12312860,W:www.sentjakobsko-gledalisce.si

SiTi Teater BTC Theatre SiTiTeaterBTC,Šmartinskacesta152,T:+386(0)70940940,W:www.sititeater.si

Glej Theatre D6GledališčeGlej,Gregorčičevaulica3,T:+386(0)12516679,W:www.glej.si

Ljubljana Dance Theatre PlesniTeaterLjubljana,Prijateljevaulica2,T:+386(0)14308344,W:www.ptl.si

Old Power Station F3Staraelektrarna–ElektroLjubljana,Slomškovaulica18,T:+386(0)12314492,W:www.bunker.si/slo/stara-elektrarna

How to pick the right eventGet a free copy of the monthly brochure Events, available in Slovenian and English from the city’s tourist information centres, hotels and cultural centres, or download a copy from the website at www.visitljubljana.si.

47 Accommodation

11 A

ccommodation Ljubljana’s tourism offerings are diverse and so are its accommodation options. Visitors can choose from various types of accommodation of all categories. Since Ljubljana is a “city made to the measure of man”, most of its accommodation establishments are easily accessible on foot, and the rest by bus.

Hotels HotelsofallpricerangesareavailableinLjubljana.Mostofthemarelocatedintheverycitycentre,therestarewellconnectedbycitybusorshuttleservices.Thosecentrallylocatedaretypicallysmallboutiquehotelsorhotelswithalongtraditionofhospitality.Thenumberofmodernbusinesshotelsisontheincrease.

Youth accommodation

Ljubljanahasseveralyouthhostelsandotheraccommodationfacilitiesspeciallydesignedtosuityoungpeople.Duringsummerholidays,cheapaccommodationisalsoavailableatsecondaryschoolandstudenthostels.

Pensions Ljubljana’spensions,manyofthemservingexcellentSloveniancuisine,areplaceswhereguestscanexperienceawarmandhomelyatmosphere.

Rooms and apartments

Ljubljanahasagrowingnumberofprivately-ownedroomsandapartmentswhichvisitorscanmaketheirhomeforafewdays.

Campsites InLjubljana,thereisonecampsitewithalargeoutdoor

swimmingpoolarea.Morecampsitesareavailableinthecity’ssurroundingareas.Overnightstaysbymotorhomesareonlypermittedatcampsites.

Information and booking

Makeyouraccommodationsearcheasybyusingthewebsiteatwww.visitljubljana.si,whosedatabaseincludeshotels,youthhostels,pensions,privately-ownedapartmentsandcampsitesinLjubljanaanditssurroundingareas.Usethewebsite’sinteractivemaptoeasyfindtheaccommodationofyourchoice.ThewebsitealsooffersfastandreliableonlinebookingofhotelroomsinLjubljanaandacrossSloveniausingtheHRShotelreservationservice.

Ifyourequireassistanceinbooking,visitanyofLjubljana’stouristinformationcentres.

Accommodation guideA Ljubljana accommodation guide is available from the city’s tourist information centres and the website at www.visitljubljana.si. The guide provides comprehensive information on hotels, youth hostels, privately-owned accommodation, holiday apartments and campsites, including photographs and rates in euros. The rates are a general guide only and are subject to change during the year.

49 Eatingout

12 Eating out

Ljubljana has a wide and varied choice of good restaurants in all price ranges, from fast casual to fine dining, both in the city centre and suburban areas. You can choose from traditional gostilna restaurants serving Slovenian cuisine and restaurants offering different international cuisines. A number of upmarket restaurants which would be regarded as rather expensive for an à la carte meal offer daily lunch menus at affordable prices.

Slovenia is a country of good wines. Its capital may not be situated in a wine-growing region, but due to its tradition as a commercial centre for the country’s wine-growing regions it has been awarded the international title of “City of Vine and Wine”.

Restaurants

Slovenian cuisine

Figovec D3Gosposvetskacesta1T:+386(0)14264410W:www.figovec.si

Gostilna Na gradu E5Grajskaplanota1W:www.nagradu.si

Gostilna Pod lipo C5Borštnikovtrg3T:+386(0)14224110W:www.podlipo.si

Gostilna Pod vrbo D8Ziherlovaulica36T:+386(0)12808892W:www.podvrbo.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Gostilna Sokol E5Ciril-Metodovtrg18T:+386(0)14396855W:www.gostilna-sokol.com

Gostilna Stari Tišler E3Kolodvorskaulica8T:+386(0)14303370W:www.stari-tisler.com

Gostilna Šestica D4Slovenskacesta40T:+386(0)12420855W:www.sestica.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Gostilna Zlata ribica E5Cankarjevonabrežje7T:+386(0)12412680W:www.zlataribica.si

Gostilnica Mencigar – Nobile G6Zarnikovaulica3T:+386(0)14397040W:www.mencigar-nobile.comClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Pr’ Potic E6Staritrg21T:+386(0)14254337W:www.prpotic.si

Pri Mraku D6Rimskacesta4T:+386(0)14219600W:www.daj-dam.si

Vinoteka Gospodarsko razstavišče E1Dunajska18T:+386(0)14315015W:www.vks.si

Vodnikov hram F5Vodnikovtrg2T:+386(0)12345260W:www.vodnikov-hram.si

Asian cuisine

DA BU DA D5Šubičevacesta1a,T:+386(0)14253060,W:www.dabuda.si

Namasté D6Breg8,T:+386(0)14250159,W:www.restavracija-namaste.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Taste something typically SlovenianThe best known Slovenian speciality is kranjska klobasa, a sausage first mentioned in written records in 1896. Try also prekmurska gibanica, a layered cake from the Prekmurje region, potica, a yeast-dough cake with a variety of filling options, and the kraški pršut prosciutto, typical of the coastal Slovenia and the Kras region.

50 51 EatingoutEatingout

Shambala D6Križevniškaulica12,T:+386(0)31843833,4263014,W:www.shambala.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Sushimama D5Wolfovaulica12,T:040702070,W:www.sushimama.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Thai Inn Pub C6Rimskacesta17,T:+386(0)14210377

Balkan cuisine

Gostišče Portal Zaloškacesta110,T:+386(0)15400166,W:www.portal-m.si

Gostilnica Rio Momo D5Slovenskacesta28,T:+386(0)14253226

Harambaša D7Vrtnaulica8,T:+386(0)41843106ClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Pod RožnikomCestanaRožnik18,T:+386(0)12513446,W:www.gp-vic.si/roznik.asp

Pri Jovotu Poljanskacesta99,T:+386(0)15203000,W:www.prijovotu.com

Sarajevo ‘84 D4Nazorjeva12ClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Sofra Dunajskacesta145,T:+386(0)15656800ClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Mediterranean cuisine

Allegria D4Nazorjevaulica8,T:+386(0)14267402,W:www.allegria.si

As longueČopovaulica5A(Knafljevprehod)T:+386(0)4258822W:www.gostilnaas.si

Lunch Café E6Staritrg9,T:+386(0)83806610,W:www.lunchcafe.net

Meson Don Felipe F6Streliškaulica22,T:+386(0)14343862,W:www.donfelipe.net

Mirje B6Tržaškacesta5,T:+386(0)14266015ClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Restavracija Most E4Petkovškovonabrežje21,T:+386(0)12328183,W:www.restavracija-most.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Špajza E7Gornjitrg28T:+386(0)14253094

Taverna Tatjana E6Gornjitrg38,T:+386(0)14210087

International cuisine

Abecedarium E5Ribjitrg2,T:+386(0)14269514,W:www.abecedarium.si

Bachus Center D5Kongresnitrg3,T:+386(0)12418243,W:www.bachus-center.comClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Bon Appetit E3Miklošičevacesta28,T:+386(0)14308080,W:www.bon-appetit.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Cafe bar & restaurant Roxly E4 Malaulica5,T:+386(0)14301021,W:www.roxly.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Yildiz Han (Turkish cuisine)Karlovškacsta19T:+386(0)14265717W:www.yildiz-han.com

Julija E6Staritrg9,T:+386(0)14256463

Le petit café D6Trgfrancoskerevolucije4,T:+386(0)12512575

Pri Škofu D7Rečnaulica8,T:+386(0)14264508

Restavracija in lounge Slon D4Nazorjevaulica5,T:+386(0)14701100,W:www.hotelslon.com

Restavracija Nebotičnik D4Štefanovaulica5W:www.neboticnik.si

Restavracija River House E6Gallusovonabrežje31,T:+386(0)14254090,W:www.riverhouse.si

Restavracija SalonTrubarjeva23T:+386(0)59190400W:www.salon.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Restavracija Unionski vrt E4Miklošičevacesta1,T:+386(0)13081295,W:www.gh-union.siOpendailyfromJunetoAugust.

Restavracija Zlato Runo (Georgian cuisine)Štihova2T:+386(0)59047107Monandpublicholidaysclosed.

Stara Mačka E5Krojaškaulica8,T:+386(0)12511749,W:www.staramacka.si

Mexican cuisine

Café Romeo E6Staritrg6,T:+386(0)14269011

Cantina Mexicana D4Wolfovaulica4,T:+386(0)14269325,W:www.cantina.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Joe Pena’s Cantina y Bar D4Cankarjevacesta6,T:+386(0)14215800,W:www.joepenas.si

Vegetarian cuisine

Ajdovo zrno E4Trubarjevacesta7,T:+386(0)40832446,W:www.satwa.siClosedSat,Sunandpublicholidays.

Govinda’s C1Žibertovaulica23,T:+386(0)59058381,W:www.govindas.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Fine dining restaurants

Gostilna As D4Čopovaulica5a,T:+386(0)14258822,W:www.gostilnaas.si

Hiša kulinarike Manna D7Eipprovaulica1a,T:+386(0)12835294,W:www.kulinarika-manna.comClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Maxim D5Trgrepublike1,T:+386(0)14766980,W:www.maxi.siClosedSat,Sunandpublicholidays.

Pri Vitezu D6Breg20,T:+386(0)14266058,W:www.privitezu.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Restavracija CuboŠmartinskacesta55,T:+386(0)15211515,W:www.cubo-ljubljana.comClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Restavracija JB E3Miklošičevacesta17,T:+386(0)14331358,W:www.jb-slo.comClosedSunandpublicholidaysandSatinAugust.

Smrekarjev hram E4Nazorjevaulica2,T:+386(0)13081907,W:www.gh-union.siClosedfromJunetoAugust.

Valvas’or E6Staritrg7,T:+386(0)14250455,W:www.valvasor.netClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Pizza restaurants

Emonska klet D5Plečnikovtrg1,T:+386(0)14219300,W:www.emonskaklet.com

Ljubljanski dvor D5 Dvornitrg1,T:+386(0)12516555

Picerija Osmica D4Nazorjevaulica8,T:+386(0)14265872

Picerija Parma D5Trgrepublike2(Maximarketundergroundshoppingarcade),T:+386(0)14268222ClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Pivnica Kratochwill F3Kolodvorskaulica2,T:+386(0)14333114,W:www.kratochwill.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Pizzeria Foculus D6Gregorčičevaulica3,T:+386(0)12515643,W:www.foculus.com

Pizzeria Kavalino F4Trubarjevacesta52,T:+386(0)12320990,W:kaval-group.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Pizzeria Tunnel F7Karlovškacesta5,T:+386(0)14264000,W:www.tunnel.siClosed31Decand1Jan.

Pizzeria Trnovski ZvonEipprova17T:+386(0)12839464W:www.pizzeriatrnovskizvon.com

Trta E7Grudnovonabrežje21,T:+386(0)14265066,W:www.trta.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

TippingThere are no fixed rules regarding tipping in Slovenia, but tips (approx. 10 percent of the bill) are always welcome in return for good service.

52 Eatingout

Breakfast restaurants

Bazilika Shop & Cafe E4Miklošičevacesta22,T:+386(0)41530539,W:www.bazilika.siClosedSat,Sunandpublicholidays.

Čajna hiša Cha E6Staritrg3,T:+386(0)12527010,W:www.cha.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Dvorni bar D5Dvornitrg2,T:+386(0)12511157,W:www.dvornibar.net

Le petit café D6Trgfrancoskerevolucije4,T:+386(0)12512575

Tomato D5Šubičevaulica1,T:+386(0)12527555,W:www.tomato.siClosedSat,Sunandpublicholidays.

Fast-food and fast casual restaurants

Ati E6Staritrg28,T:+386(0)14255108Greektakeaway.

Čompa F4Trubarjevaulica40Bistro,closedSunandpublicholidays.

Čupiterija E5Mestnitrg4,T:+386(0)59712368Snackbar.

Dvor D5Dvornitrg1,T:+386(0)12516555Pizzatakeaway.

Falafel F4Trubarjevaulica40Takeaway.

Hollyfood C5Igriškaulica5ClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Paninoteka D6Jurčičevtrg3,T:+386(0)14250055,W:www.paninoteka.siSandwichbar.

Pomf E5Trubarjevaulica20,T:+386(0)41868582,W:www.pomf.siBistro.

Ribca E5Adamič-Lundrovonabrežje1,T:+386(0)14251544,W:www.ribca.siSeafoodbistroatthefishmarket,closedSunandpublicholidays.

Samopostrežna restavracija 2000 D5Trgrepublike1,T:+386(0)14766925Maximarketunderpassage,self-servicerestaurant,closedSunandpublicholidays.

Sax House E7Trnovskipristan4a,W:www.sax.siGrillroom.

Tomato D5Šubičevaulica1,T:+386(0)12527555,W:www.tomato.siSandwichbar,closedSat,Sunandpublicholidays.

Wine bars Bon Appétit E3Miklošičevacesta28,T:+386(0)14308080,W:www.bon-appetit.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Dvorni bar D5Dvornitrg2,T:+386(0)12511157,W:www.dvornibar.net

EVino BARŠmartinskacesta53,T:+386(0)14018008,W:www.evino.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Vinoteka Dvor D5Dvornitrg1,T:+386(0)12513644,W:www.kozelj.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Vinoteka Movia E5Mestnitrg4,T:+386(0)14265448,W:www.movia.siClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Vino boutique D4Slovenskacesta38,T:+386(0)14252680ClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Vinoteka & café galerija Maximal D6Breg2,T:+386(0)14220033

Vinoteka GR E1Dunajskacesta18,T:+386(0)14315015,W:www.vks.siClosedSunandpublicholidays(forgroupsopenbyappointmentonly).

Vinoteka ProvinSlovenčevaulica97,T:+386(0)15681619,W:www.provin.siClosedSat,Sunandpublicholidays.

55 Entertainmentandnightlife

13 Entertainment

and nightlife

Entertainment in Ljubljana is not over when evening cultural events end, but goes on until the wee hours. There is an array of nightlife options of different genres. Quite late at night you can enjoy yourself at pubs and wine bars or – especially during the summer season – have a relaxing drink at one of the numerous open-air cafés located on the banks of the Ljubljanica and elsewhere. The city’s nightlife continues into the small hours at clubs and casinos. Late night entertainment is available at rock and jazz clubs and venues for electronic dance music events. Weekends, of course, are the liveliest.

Clubs Bachus Center D5Kongresnitrg3,T:+386(0)12418243,W:www.bachus-center.com

Cafe bar & restaurant Roxly E4Malaulica5,T:+386(0)41399599,W:www.roxly.si

Emonska klet D5Plečnikovtrg1,T:+386(0)14219300,W:www.emonskaklet.com

Etno klub Zlati Zob Zaloškacesta69,T:+386(0)59139552

Exen CestaLjubljanskebrigade25T:+386(0)41711150W:www.exens.i

Goodlife – Castle Lounge Club E5 Grajskaplanota1,T:+386(0)14394140,W:www.kaval-group.si

Hugo Barrera Club E5Adamič-Lundrovonabrežje5,T:+386(0)40177477

InBox Jurčkovacesta224,T:+386(0)16005086,W:www.inbox-club.com

Jazz klub Gajo – Slovene Writers’ Association’s summer garden C4Tomšičevaulica12,T:+386(0)14253206,W:www.jazzclubgajo.comOpeninsummeronly.

Klub K4 D3Kersnikovaulica4,T:+386(0)1430261,W:www.klubk4.org

Metelkova mesto alternative culture centre G3Masarykovacesta24,W:www.metelkovamesto.org

Night lounge bar As D4Čopovaulica5a,T:+386(0)14258822,W:www.gostilnaas.si

Orto bar Grablovičevaulica1,T:+386(0)12315879,W:www.orto-bar.com

Piano Bar D4Nazorjevaulica6,T:+386(0)41676026,W:www.pianobar.si

TOP Eat&Party D4Tomšičevaulica1,T:+386(0)40333009,W:www.klubtop.si

Tango bar Šmartinskacesta106,T:+386(0)41324828,W:www.tangoslovenija.si

Ultra D4Nazorjevaulica6,T:+386(0)31560713,W:www.ultra-club.si

Adult Entertainment

Escape Grablovičevaulica1,T:+386(0)12321674

Hard Core Cafe Dolgimost4,T:+386(0)41716612,W:www.hardcorecafe.si

56 Entertainmentandnightlife

Latino Night Club Šmartinskacesta152,Hala18,T:+386(0)59952121,W:www.latino-nightclub.com

Nočni klub Slon D4Slovenskacesta34,T:+386(0)14701148

Tanga Brnčičevaulica13,W:www.tangaclub.com

Casinos Casino Lev D3Vošnjakovaulica1,T:+386(0)14304223,W:www.casinolev.com

Casino Rio (Arena – Gladiator) Šmartinskacesta152,T:+386(0)15205650,W:www.arena.si/si/casino-rio

Casino Kongo Ljubljanskacesta65,1290Grosuplje,T:+386(0)17810200,W:www.kongo-hc.com

Gay and lesbian- friendly venues

K4 – Roza klub D3Kersnikovaulica4,W:www.klubk4.org.Sundaysonly.

Monokel G3Metelkovamestoalternativeculturecentre,Masarykovacesta24,W:www.klubmonokel.com

Open E7Hrenovaulica19,T:+386(0)41391371,W:www.open.si

Tiffany G3Metelkovamestoalternativeculturecentre,Masarykovacesta24,W:www.kulturnicenterq.org/tiffany/klub/

Q Cultural Centre G3Metelkovamestoalternativeculturecentre,Masarykovacesta24,W:www.sloveniaforgaytravelers

Cinemas Kinocenter Kolosej multiplex cinema Šmartinskacesta152,T:+386(0)15205500,W:www.kolosej.si

Kinodvor city cinema F3Kolodvorskaulica13,T:+386(0)12392213,W:www.kinodvor.org

Kinoklub Vič city cinema B6Trgmladinskihdelovnihbrigad6,T:+386(0)12418411,W:www.kolosej.si

Slovenska Kinoteka cinematheque E3Miklošičevacesta28,T:+386(0)15471580,W:www.kinoteka.si

XpanD digital 3D cinema Šmartinskacesta152,T:+386(0)15205640,W:www.kolosej.si

59 Shopping

14 Shopping

Central Ljubljana is like a super-relaxed shopping centre. Here you will find anything from shops offering well known internationally-branded products to those selling creations by local designers, often strikingly original. There are many antique shops, selling galleries and artist studios, testifying to the city’s vibrant creative scene. A place not to be missed is the picturesque Central Market, designed by the architect Jože Plečnik. Large shopping centres are located outside the city centre. Ljubljana offers plenty of everything for every pocket.

Central Market

Vodnikovtrg,Pogačarjevtrg,T:+386(0)13001200,W:www.jh-lj.si/trzniceClosedSunandpublicholidays.

Art Market

Čevljarskimost(Cobblers’Bridge),BregembankmentOpenSat9:00-16:00

Flea Market

BregembankmentOpenSun8:00-14:00.

Ljubljana Old Town

Ciril-Metodovtrg,Mestnitrg,Novitrg,StaritrgandGornjitrgsquaresLjubljanaOldTown’sfive’ssquaresblendintoeachothertoformonelongshoppingstreetfullofoutletsofferingthefinestfromSlovenia,fromuniquehandmadecrystalwareandlacetoculinarycreationsanduniqueclothing.

Ljubljana city centre

Ljubljana’smainshoppingstreetsareSlovenskacesta,Miklošičevacesta,Čopovaulica,Nazorjevaulica,TavčarjevaulicaandTrubarjevacesta.

Department stores

Galerija Emporium E4Trubarjevacesta1,W:www.galerijaemporium.si

Maximarket D5Trgrepublike1,T:+386(0)14766800,W:www.maxi.si

MidasAjdovščina3T:+386(0)13004600W:www.midas.si

Nama D4Tomšičevaulica1,T:+386(0)14258300,W:www.nama.si

Shopping centres BTC City Šmartinskacesta152,T:+386(0)15852222,W:www.btc-city.comClosedSunandpublicholidays.

City Park Šmartinskacesta152g,T:+386(0)15873050,W:www.citypark.si

Supernova Jurčkovacesta223,T:+386(0)82008000,W:www.supernova.si/ljubljana

Shop opening hoursMost city centre shops are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, whereas suburban shopping centres also stay open on Saturday afternoons and Sundays until 3 p.m.

TIC Ljubljana ShopTake a little something of Ljubljana home with you. Visit the TIC Ljubljana Shop, which offers a wide and varied choice of souvenirs and small pieces of art. The most authentic souvenirs are branded as “Souvenir of Ljubljana”.Stritarjeva ulica street, T: +386 (0)1 306 12 15, W: www.visitljubljana.siOpen daily 10:00-19:00.

61 Left:PathofRemembranceandComradeshipSportandrecreation

15 Sports and

recreation

Having large areas of greenery, Ljubljana offers plenty of opportunities for sports and recreation. a selection of providers is listed here, while more detailed informations is available on the destination website www.vistljubljana.si. Sports activities and events of all kinds, including national and international competitions, are an important part of life in Ljubljana. Plenty of opportunities for sports and recreation are also available at other destinations in Slovenia, all of which are relatively easily accessible from the capital. There are numerous hiking trails and cycle routes for those enjoying outdoor pursuits. Winter sports lovers can easily reach mountain ski resorts, and those seeking summer relaxation the coast.

Recreation centres

Bit Center Hotel Litijskacesta57,T:+386(0)15480055,W:www.bit-center.net

Rekreacijski center Tivoli B2Celovškacesta25,T:+386(0)14315155,W:www.zavod-tivoli.si

Športni park Kodeljevo Gortanovaulica21,T:+386(0)15201300,W:www.slovan.si

Golf courses Golf ArboretumT:+386(0)18318080W:www.golfarboretum.si

Golf klub Barje T:+386(0)31688355,W:www.golf-klub-barje.si

Diners Golf & Country ClubT:+386(0)51623883,W:golf-ljubljana.si

Golf igrišče Trnovo T:+386(0)51366690,W:www.golftrnovo.comPublicgolfcourse.

Water parks Laguna Spa & Fun Dunajskacesta270,T:+386(0)15683913,W:www.laguna.siOpen9:00-20:00dailyJun-Sep.

Vodno mesto Atlantis Šmartinskacesta152,T:+386(0)15852100,W:www.atlantis-vodnomesto.siOpendaily9:00-23.00.

Water sports Kajak kanu klub Tacen Marinovševacesta8a,T:+386(0)15136530,W:www.kajakklubtacen.si

Skok Sport Marinovševacesta8,T:+386(0)15124402,W:www.skok-sport.si

Veslaški klub Ljubljanica Velikačolnarskaulica20,T:+386(0)12838712,W:www.vesl-klub-ljubljanica.si

Ski resorts RTC Krvavec Grad76,CerkljenaGorenjskem,T:+386(0)42525930,W:www.rtc-krvavec.si

Wellness centres Breza savna klub Lepodvorska13,T:+386(0)12319713,W:www.savnabreza.com

Fanči kozmetika & savna Golouhova28,T:+386(0)14287010,W:www.fanci.si

Sense Wellness Club Dunajskacesta154,T:+386(0)15882600,W:www.sense-club.com

Sunny StudioRegentovacesta37T:+386(0)15134444W:www.sunny.si

Vodno mesto Atlantis Šmartinskacesta152,T:+386(0)15852100,W:www.atlantis-vodnomesto.si

Path of Remembrance and Comradeship (The Green Ring)The Path of Remembrance and Comradeship is a well-maintained gravel-paved recreational footpath around Ljubljana running along the course of the barbed wire fence erected by the Italian occupying forces during the Second World War to weaken the resistance movement. The 33-kilometre long circular path leads both through urban areas and their surrounding meadows and forests.

63 Left:MoonfestivalLjubljanaforfamilies

16 Ljublja

na

for fa

milies

Ljubljana is a children-friendly city, which is particularly obvious during summer, when the Ljubljanica river embankments host creative workshops for children, libraries operate in the shade of trees, and children’s puppet and theatre shows are held in the city’s streets and squares. Ljubljana’s numerous green areas, stretching right into the city centre, are ideal places for family leisure and recreation. Since the expansion of pedestrian zones, Ljubljana is an even safer city.

Experiences Ljubljana Zoo ŽivalskivrtLjubljana,Večnapot70,T:+386(0)12442188,W:www.zoo.siTheLjubljanaZoorunsananimalexperiencetourofferinganopportunitytobeinveryclosecontactwithanimals.Duringthetour,speciallydesignedforfamilieswithchildren,visitorslearnaboutanimals,gettofeedthemandlotsmore.Opendaily,9:00-19:00fromMaytoAug,09:00-18:00inAprandSep,9:00-16:00inJan,Feb,NovandDec.

House of Experiments F4Hišaeksperimentov,Trubarjevacesta39,T:+386(0)13006888,W:www.h-e.siHouseofExperimentsisSlovenia’sfirsthands-onsciencecentre,intendedforbothchildrenandadults.Itaimsatpopularizingscienceandprovingthatlearningcanalsobefun.Openweekends11:00-19:00.Interactivelecturesreferredtoas“Experiences”beginat17:00.

Tourist road train and boat rides Ridingonasmallroadtrainisawonderfulexperienceforchildren.Trainrides,availableduringthesummerseason,departfromthecitycentreeveryhouronthehourandfromthecastlehilleveryhourat20minutespastthehour.JustasexcitingaretouristboatridesunderthebridgescrossingtheLjubljanicariver.

Tivoli B2-5, C2-4Tivoli,Ljubljana’slargestpark,isanidealplaceforfamilyfunactivitiesandwalksinnaturalsurroundings.Theparkhasafishpondwithacakeshopandalargechildren’splaygroundnexttoit.Notfarawayisaglasshousehousingadisplayoftropicalplants.Awholesectionisdedicatedtocarnivorousplants,abigattractionforchildren.

Ljubljana Botanic Garden G9BotaničnivrtvLjubljani,Ižanskacesta15,T:+386(0)14271280,W:www.botanicni-vrt.siLearningaboutplantscanbegreatfun.AproofofthatistheLjubljanaBotanicGarden,whereplantshavebeencultivatedfor200years.Opendaily,7:00-19:00from1Aprto31Oct,7:00-20:00from1Julto31Aug,7:00-17:00from1Novto31Mar.

Library under Trees Knjižnicapodkrošnjami,variousoutdoorlocations(summermonthsonly)Bookscanbeevenmorefunifwereadthemoutdoors.PerfectlocationstogetlostinabookareLjubljana’s“librariesundertrees”,setupinpeacefulnaturalsurroundings.

Sezam’s Children’s Flea Market Sezamovotroškibolšjisejem,TržnicaŠiškamarket,Drenikovaulica35,T:+386(0)12511218,W:www.zdruzenje-sezam.siThisfleamarket,wherechildren’sequipment,clothingandtoysaresoldorexchanged,isaccompaniedbyaprogrammeofmusicandcreativeworkshopsforchildren.Admissionis€1.00.Open9:30-13:00everythirdSundayofthemonthexceptsummermonths.

64 65Ljubljanaforfamilies

House of Children and Arts D4Hišaotrokinumetnosti,Cankarjevacesta9,T:+386(0)14252666,W:www.hisaotrok.siTheHouseofChildrenandArtsrunscreativeworkshopsandplaysessionswherechildrencangetacquaintedwithpuppetry,theatre,music,painting,sculpting,poetry,fairy-talewritingandmuchmore.Puppetshowsareheldoccasionally.

Vodno mesto Atlantis water park Šmartinskacesta152,T:+386(0)15852100,W:www.atlantis-vodnomesto.siOpendaily9:00-23:00.

Laguna Spa & Fun water parkDunajskacesta270,T:+386(0)15683913,W:www.laguna.siOpen9:00-20:00dailyfromJuntoSep.

Annual children’s events

Grandpa Frost Procession W:www.visitljubljana.siAfewdaysbeforeNewYear’sEve,childrenarevisitedbyGrandpaFrost(theSloveniancounterpartofSantaClause),whoarrivesfromtheNorthinacarriageescortedbyhorsemenonwhiteLipizzanerhorses,snowmen,bears,rabbits,andallkindsoffairy-talecharacters.

Moon Festival W:www.luninportal.siIntendedforallchildrenandyoungpeople,theMoonFestivalisconceivedasaprogrammeoffreeentertainment,educational,sportingandculturalevents

offeringanopportunitytospendleisuretimeactively.

Mini Summer W:www.mini-teater.siMiniSummerisaninternationalpuppetfestivalheldfromJunetoAugust.

Children’s playground locations

Tivoli Park B4

North Park/Severni park F1

Castle hill (OsojePlayground/IgriščeOsoje)E6

Špica embankment (Pruleplayground/IgriščePrule)F8

The area next to the Slovene Ethnographic Museum G3

Ljubljana Zoo

Slovenian Reformation Park/Park slovenske reformacije D3

Children’s theatres

Ljubljana Puppet Theatre F5LutkovnogledališčeLjubljana,Krekovtrg2,T:+386(0)13000970,W:www.lgl.si

Ljubljana Puppet Theatre – Kulturnica D5LutkovnogledališčeLjubljana–Kulturnica,Židovskasteza1,T:+386(0)13000982,W:www.lgl.si

Ljubljana Mini Theatre E5MiniteaterLjubljana,LjubljanaCastle,T:+386(0)14303143,W:www.mini-teater.si

Ljubljana Mini Theatre – Križevniška D6MiniteaterLjubljana–Križevniška,Križevniškaulica1,T:+386(0)14256060,W:www.mini-teater.si

Children and Young People’s Theatre of Ljubljana GledališčezaotrokeinmladeLjubljana–GOML,Zaloškacesta61,T:+386(0)15484540,W:www.goml.si

Mladinsko Theatre F1Slovenskomladinskogledališče,Vilharjevaulica11,T:+386(0)12301286,W:www.mladinsko.com

Baby changing and breastfeeding facilities

Triple Bridge Toilet E5(babychangingfacilities)Tromostovje

Plečnik Underpass Toilet D5(babychangingfacilities)Plečnikovpodhod

Kresija Toilet E5(babychangingfacilities)Stritarjevaulica6

Sezam association of parents and children D6(babychangingandbreastfeedingfacilities)Novitrg1

Nama department store D4(babychangingandbreastfeedingfacilities)Tomšičevacesta1,children’sdepartment(5thfloor)

Maximarket department store D5(babychangingfacilities)Trgrepublike1,children’sdepartment

Čajna hiša Cha tea house E6(babychangingfacilities)Staritrg3

Centralna lekarna pharmacy E4(babychangingfacilities)Prešernovtrg5

Lekarna Barsos-H pharmacy C6(babychangingandbreastfeedingfacilities)Gregorčičevaulica9a

Slaščičarna Čolnarna cake house B4 (babychangingfacilities)TivoliPark

Right:GrandpaFrostProcession

67 Left:BledExcursionsfromLjubljana

17 Excursions

from Ljublja

na

Slovenia is a diverse country. Hardly anywhere else in the world can you find so many natural and cultural attractions on such a small area of land. Ljubljana, due to its central position, is a perfect base for exploring the country’s beauties. Distances are short and within an hour you can reach the coast, high mountains or Slovenia’s famous underground caves. Just pick a direction and go.

1 Ljubljana Marshes LjubljanaMarshes(Ljubljanskobarje),anatureparkextendingsouthofthecity,iswellknownforitsextraordinarymixtureofunusualnaturalandman-madesightssuchastheIškiVintgargorge,thePodpeškojezerolake,JožePlečnik’sChurchofSt.Michael,andtheTechnicalMuseumofSlovenia.

2 Šmarna gora (9km) The669-metrehighŠmarnagoraisthemostpopularspotforhikersfromLjubljana.Toreachthefootofthehill,takecitybusservice8toGameljne.

3 Škofja Loka (21km) BeingoneofSlovenia’soldesttowns,ŠkofjaLokahasnumeroushistoricalmonuments,includingacastle.

4 Krvavec (30km) Krvavec,risingupto1,971metresabovesealevel,isalargeskiresortoffering26kilometresofskirunsandanEskimovillageinwinterandcountlesshikingopportunitiesinthesummer.

5 Postojna (53km) Postojnaisrenownedacrosstheworldforits27-kilometrelongsystemofundergroundcaves,hometoanendemicsalamanderspecies,andthenearbyPredjamaCastle.Thevisitrunsonboardofasmalltrain.

6 Bled (54km) TheresorttownofBledisbestknownforalakewithalittleislandinthemiddle,whereyoucanbetakeninatraditional“pletna”boat,acastlestandingontopofacliffoverlookingthelake,anddeliciouscreamcakes.

7 Krka River Valley (69km) ThevalleyoftheKrkariverisremarkableforitsscenicbeautyandpicturesquecastlesandmonasteries.ItsmostdelightfulattractionsarethelittlemedievaltownofKostanjevicanaKrki,OtočecCastle,thePleterjeCarthusianMonastery,theTermeČatežthermalsparesort,andMokriceCastle.

8 Novo Mesto (69 km)NovoMesto,thecentreoftheDolenjskaregion,wasfoundedintheyear1365inthemidstofahillywinegrowinglandscapeembracedbytheKrkaRiver.Historicandculturalattractionsinthetownarecomplementedbythevicinityoftwospas−DolenjskeandŠmarješkeToplice.

9 Logar Valley (70km) TheidyllicLogarValley,withitsnumerousnaturalsightsanduniquelandscapefeatures.Isprotectedareaofnaturalbeauty.Knownforitswaterfalls,abysses,overhangingwalls,andsprings.

10 Bohinj (75km) Bohinj,famousforitslakeandthenearbySavicaWaterfall,isagoodbasefortreksintotheJulianAlps.TheareaiswellknownfortraditionalcheesemakingsomakesuretotastethefamousBohinjcheese.

11 Celje (76 km)OncehometotheCountsofCelje,oneofthemostpowerfulmedievalfamilies,thecountry’sthirdlargestcityboastsmanyculturalandhistoricaltreasuresdepictingitshistory.NotfarfromCeljearetheRomanNecropolisatŠempeterandseveralrenownedhealthresorts:Dobrna,Topolšica,Laško,RogaškaSlatina,andOlimia.

Excursions to major places of interest in Slovenia can be booked at Ljubljana’s tourist information centres and from the website at www.visitljubljana.si. Get a free copy of the leaflet Excursions from Ljubljana and pick an excursion of your choice.

68 ExcursionsfromLjubljana

12 Lipica Stud Farm (80km) TheLipicaStudFarm,worldrenownedforitsclassicalridingschool,wasthefirststudfarmevertobreedLipizzanerhorses.Openallyearround.

13 Škocjan Caves (80km) Beingauniquenaturalandculturalheritagesite,theŠkocjanCaveshavebeenincludedintheUNESCOWorldNaturalHeritageListsince1986.TogetherwiththesubterraneanstreamoftheriverReka,theyformoneofEurope’slongestsubterraneanwetlandsofkarsticorigin.

14 Kranjska Gora (84km) KranjskaGora,locatedontheedgeoftheTriglavNationalPark,isapopularresortforsportsenthusiasts.DonotmisstheannualWorldCupskijumpingandskiflyingcompetitionsinPlanicaandtheVitrancCupalpineskiingcompetition.

15 Nova Gorica and its surrounding areas (108km) ThetownofNovaGorica,boastingoneofEurope’slargestgamblingcomplexes,isnotfarfromthewinegrowingregionofGoriškabrda.

16 Slovenian Istria: Koper, Piran, Portorož, Izola (120km) SlovenianIstriahasa47-kilometrelongcoastline.ItsleadingresorttownisPortorožanditsmajorculturalandhistoricalattractionsthemedievaltownsofPiran,KoperandIzola.Aparticularattractionarethearea’ssalinas,asmalloneinStrunjanandalargeoneinSečovlje.Alsointerestingisthehinterland.

17 Maribor (122km) Maribor,Slovenia’ssecondbiggestcity,liesalongthebanksoftheriverDrava,atthefootofthePohorjemountainrange,

wherethewomen’sAlpineSkiingWorldCupcompetitionfortheGoldenFoxTrophyisheldannually.Maribor,nicknamed“CityofWine”,isfamousfortheworld’soldestvine,plantedoverfourhundredyearsago.

18 Soča River Valley: Bovec, Kobarid, Tolmin (130km) TheSočaearnedit’snickname»EmeraldRiver«foritslushgreencolour.Itswhitewaterrapidsofferoneofthebestadrenaline-fuelledwatersportsexperiencesinthispartofEurope.MakesurenottomisstheworldrenownedWorldWarIMuseuminKobarid.

19 Ptuj (130km) BeingSlovenia’soldesttown,Ptujisfamousforitsrichculturalheritage,bestexemplifiedbyPtujCastle,whichhousestheRegionalMuseumofPtuj,thePtujWineCellar,andSlovenia’slargestcarnival,knownasKurentovanje.

Right:PostojnaCave

Ljubljana

Austria

Hungary

Croa

tia

Italy

Novo Mesto

Celje

14

18 6 9 4

3 2

17

7

8

11

1

5

15

12 13

16

19

10

71 Left:DragonbridgeParticalinformation

Banks

Mostbanksarecentrallylocatedandopenweekdays(exceptpublicholidays)from9a.m.to12noonandfrom2p.m.to5p.m.Moneycanalsobeexchangedatbureauxdechangeandsomehotels.

Car hire

Agio Rent a CarCelovškacesta228T:+386(0)70727777,W:www.agio.si

Alamo National Rent a Car SloveniaDunajskacesta140andLjubljanaJožePučnikAirportT:+386(0)15890850,0802114,W:www.nationalcar-slovenia.com

AtetDerčevaulica4andLjubljanaJožePučnikAirportT:+386(0)42019848,W:www.atet.si

Avis Rent a Car D3, E3Vošnjakovaulica1,Čufarjevaulica2,andLjubljanaJožePučnikAirportT:+386(0)14383250,W:www.avis.si

Budget car rental E3Miklošičevacesta3andLjubljanaJožePučnikAirportT:+386(0)14217340,W:www.budget.si

Europcar Slovenia E4Dalmatinovaulica15andLjubljanaJožePučnikAirportT:+386(0)31382052,W:www.europcar.si

Hertz Rent a Car E3Trdinovaulica9andLjubljanaJožePučnikAirportT:+386(0)14340147,W:www.hertz.si

SIXT rent a car & leasing F2TrgOsvobodilnefronte5andLjubljanaJožePučnikAirportT:+386(0)12344650,W:www.e-sixt.si

Dry cleaners

Labod E3, F5Pražakovaulica12,T:+386(0)12321062,W:www.cistilnica-labod.si/poslovalnice.htmlPoljanskinasip8,T:+386(0)12821011,W:www.cistilnica-labod.si/poslovalnice.html

Chemo Express D5Wolfovaulica12,T:+386(0)15214404,W:www.chemoexpress.comFemiks F3Kotnikovaulica18,T:+386(0)12301820,031321782,W:www.cistilnica-center.com

Emergency

Police: 113

First aid: 112

Fire brigade: 112

Accident and emergency: Ljubljana University Medical Centre – Emergency DepartmentKlinični center Ljubljana – Urgenca,Zaloškacesta2,T:+386(0)15222361,5223385,W:www4kclj.si

Emergency GP: Ljubljana Community Health CentreZdravstveni dom Ljubljana, Bohoričevaulica4(LjubljanaUniversityMedicalCentre’semergencyunit),T:+386(0)15228408,W:www.zd-lj.si/zdlj

Emergency dentist: Ljubljana Community Health CentreZdravstveni dom Ljubljana Center G3Metelkovaulica9,T:+386(0)14723718,4723700

Internet access

MostofLjubljanaiscoveredbyawirelessnetwork.ForthosewithoutaWi-Fienableddevice,thereareplentyofinternetterminalsforpublicuse.

Ljubljana Bus StationAvtobusna postaja Ljubljana F2 TrgOsvobodilnefronte4,T:+386(0)12344600,W:www.ap-ljubljana.siCybercafe Xplorer E4Petkovškovonabrežje23,T:+386(0)14301991,W:www.xplorer.comDrog-Art E3Kolodvorskaulica20,T:+386(0)14397270,W:www.drogart.org

Kiber pipa D3Kersnikovaulica6,T:+386(0)14380300,W:www.kiberpipa.orgLjubljana Railway Station underpass (Knjižnica Kolodvor library) F2TrgOsvobodilnefronte10,T:+386(0)12912396,W:www.mklj.si/index.php/enote-center/enote-kolodvorInfo center ŠKUC,Galerija ŠKUC E6Staritrg21,T:+386(0)14213142,W:www.lmit.org

18 Practical

information

72 73 ParticalinformationParticalinformation

Language

DualSlovenianissaidtobearomanticlanguageasitallowstwopeopleinlovetousethedualinreferringtothemselvesalone.Therearenotmanylanguagesinwhichthedualisstillusedinadditiontothesingularandplural.

CaronThecaronplacedoverthelettersc,sandzmaylooklikeanembellishment,butitisnotthereforaestheticreasons.Č,šandžarelettersintheirownrightassociatedwithsoundswhichareactuallymucheasiertopronouncethanitmayappear:časincherry,šasinshoeandžasinmeasure.

Basic expressions Yes.–Da.No.–Ne.Please.–Prosim.Thankyou.–Hvala.Excuseme.–Oprostite.Goodmorning.–Dobrojutro.(onarrivingearlyinthemorning)Goodafternoon.–Doberdan.(onarrivinglateinthemorningorintheafternoon)Goodevening.–Dobervečer.Goodbye.–Nasvidenje.Goodnight.–Lahkonoč.(ondepartinglateatnight)

One–enaTwo–dveThree–triFour–štiriFive–petSix–šestSeven–sedemEight–osemNine–devetTen–deset

Iam…–Jazsem…DoyouspeakEnglish?–Aligovoriteangleško?Idon’tunderstand.–Nerazumem.Whereis/are…?–Kjeje/so…?HowdoIgetto..?–Kakopridemdo…?Trainstation–železniškapostajaBusstation–avtobusnapostajaLeft–levoRight–desnoStraighton–naravnostHowmuchisit?–Kolikostane?Water–vodaWine–vinoBeer–pivoThebill,please.–Račun,prosim.

Pocket Course of Slovene LanguageThe University of Ljubljana’s Centre for Slovene as a Second/Foreign Language runs a “survival” language course offering an opportunity to get to know the basics of the Slovenian language and learn useful expressions which can make the life of a foreigner in Slovenia a lot easier. The course is run on Wednesdays from June to September at the Slovenian Tourist Information Centre.

Slovenian Tourist Information Centre (STIC) F5Krekovtrg10,T:+386(0)13064575,W:www.visitljubljana.siSTA Travel Cafe D4Ajdovščina1,T:+386(0)14391690

Internet-accessibleworkstationsarealsoavailableinpubliclibraries.

Dry cleaners and launderettes

Operi in posušiBeblerjevtrg2,W:www.operiinposusi.si

Hostel Celica G3Metelkovaulica8,W:www.souhostel.com

Lost property

Ljubljana City Centre Police StationPolicijska postaja Ljubljana Center E3Trdinovaulica10,T:+386(0)14750600,W:www.policija.siLjubljana Railway StationŽelezniška postaja Ljubljana F2TrgOsvobodilnefronte6,T:+386(0)12913332,E:potnik.info@slo-zeleznice.si,W:www.slo-zeleznice.si

Pharmacies

Centralna lekarna E4Prešernovtrg5,T:+386(0)12442360,W:www.lekarnaljubljana.siOpenMon-Satexceptpublicholidays.

Duty pharmacy G3Prisojna7,T:+386(0)12306230Open24/7.

Public holidays and special days

—1and2January:NewYear—8February:PrešerenDay–

SlovenianCulturalHoliday—EasterSunday—EasterMonday—27April:DayofUprising

againstOccupation—1and2May:MayDay—Pentecost—25June:StatehoodDay—15August:AssumptionDay—17August:Unionofthe

SloveniansinPrekmurjewiththeFatherlandDay(notawork-freeday)

—15September:RestorationofPrimorskatotheFatherlandDay(notawork-freeday)

—31October:ReformationDay—1November:AllSaints’Day—23November:RudolfMaister

Day(notawork-freeday)—25December:Christmas—26December:Independence

andUnityDay

Public toilet locations

Triple Bridge/Tromostovje E5Open7:00-24:00.

Dragon Bridge/Zmajski mostF4 Open7:00-15:00Mon-Sat.Publicholidaysclosed.

Kresija building E5Stritarjevaulica6Atoiletformobility-impairedpeople,open24/7.Toenter,usetheEuropeandisabledtoiletkeyorringthebell.

Plečnik Underpass/Plečnikov PodhodD5Open7:00-20:00Mon-Sat.Publicholidaysclosed.

Butchers’ Bridge/Mesarski mostE4Open7:00-23:00.

Tax-free shopping through Global Refund

AlargenumberofshopsinLjubljanaarelabelled“TaxFree”,whichmeansthatforeigncitizens(otherthanthecitizensoftheEuropeanUnion)mayclaimtherefundoftheValueAddedTaxchargedonpurchasesofgoodsworthmorethan €50.00carriedoutonasingledayinasingleshop.Refundcanbeclaimedifgoodsareexportedfromthecountrywithinthreemonthsfromthepurchase.

Whenpayingforyourpurchases,asktheshopstaffforaTaxRefundCheque.Whenleavingthecountry,oratthefinalpointofdeparturewhenleavingtheEuropeanUnion,showyourpurchases,receiptandpassporttoCustomsandhaveyourTaxRefundChequestamped.Togetyourmoneyback,showthestampedRefundCheque,passportandcreditcardatanearbyRefundOffice.InLjubljanatherearetwo:Sayonarad.o.o.atLjubljanaJožePučnikAirportandAžurMobild.o.o.attheSupernovashoppingcentreat223Jurčkovacestaroad.

Formoreinformation,visitthewebsiteatwww.globalrefund.com.

Ticket sale

Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre (TIC) E5Adamič-Lundrovonabrežje2,T:+386(0)13061215,W:www.visitljubljana.si

Slovenian Tourist Information Centre (STIC) F5Krekovtrg10,T:+386(0)13064575,W:www.visitljubljana.si

Tourist Information Office F2TrgOsvobodilnefronte6,T:+386(0)14339475,W:www.visitljubljana.si

Cankarjev dom cultural and congress centre’s Box Office C5Prešernovacesta10,T:+386(0)12417299,W:www.cd-cc.si

Festival Ljubljana, Križanke summer theatre’s Box Office D6Trgfrancoskerevolucije1,T:+386(0)12416026,W:www.ljubljanafestival.si

Eventim (online ticket sale) www.eventim.si

Moje karte (online ticket sale)www.mojekarte.si

74 www.visitljubljana.si

• free admission to the main sights• free public transport, boat ride, funicular, tourist train

• other attractive free services

24 hours: € 23.00 • 48 hours: € 30.00 • 72 hours: € 35.00

Sales outlets:Tourist Information Centres, major hotels and on

www.visitljubljana.si

The best way to explore Ljubljana

Publishedby:LjubljanaTourism,www.visitljubljana.siEditor:DeanaKodeleDesignconcept:JohnMorganstudioDesignandprepress:StudioDTSTranslation:PatricijaFajonPhotographs:Bobo,B.Cvetkovič,S.Jeršič,

Committedtocaringfortheenvironment,weprintonrecycledpaper.Shareourcommitmentbysharingthispublicationwithyourfriends.

T.Jeseničnik,P.Sinden,J.Skok,D.Wedam,Zaklop,LjubljanaFestivalphotoarchive,LjubljanaTourismphotoarchive,PostojnaCavephotoarchive,SlovenianRailwaysphotoarchivePrintedby:LitteraPictad.o.o.Impression:10.000,October2010Cover:TripleBridge