| The pedestrian section of Old Town stretches for block after block |
Where We Be
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| We didn't go inside the castle, but we thoroughly enjoyed seeing its fortifications from the outside |
| Ljubljana, Slovenia |
There's so much to like about Slovenia's capital,
Ljubljana ("loo-blee-yah-nah"), but what we like
best is the acres worth of space that has been
reserved for pedestrians in Old Town, making it
a delight to explore on foot. We're amazed at
what a huge area has been set aside -- and we
love it! Tourists and locals alike can stroll at
leisure for blocks on end, far from the noise and
traffic. There's room here -- room to walk, room
to eat, room to enjoy. Cafés and al fresco dining
spots can be found seemingly every ten steps
or so, filled with happy diners. Dare I say this is
what life should be like? The entire area exudes
old world charm and is less about sights to see
than soaking up the ambiance.
That said, there are sights to see -- Prešeren
Square, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Ljubljana
Castle, and several churches -- but that's not
what makes this place special. Ljubljana's Old
Town feels like a town because of the ease of
getting around here. There's certainly a bigger
city beyond -- but if you stick to Old Town, you'll
feel like you've entered an alternate reality of
peace and quiet where humans rule instead of
cars. And isn't that something worth celebrating?
Ljubljana ("loo-blee-yah-nah"), but what we like
best is the acres worth of space that has been
reserved for pedestrians in Old Town, making it
a delight to explore on foot. We're amazed at
what a huge area has been set aside -- and we
love it! Tourists and locals alike can stroll at
leisure for blocks on end, far from the noise and
traffic. There's room here -- room to walk, room
to eat, room to enjoy. Cafés and al fresco dining
spots can be found seemingly every ten steps
or so, filled with happy diners. Dare I say this is
what life should be like? The entire area exudes
old world charm and is less about sights to see
than soaking up the ambiance.
That said, there are sights to see -- Prešeren
Square, Triple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Ljubljana
Castle, and several churches -- but that's not
what makes this place special. Ljubljana's Old
Town feels like a town because of the ease of
getting around here. There's certainly a bigger
city beyond -- but if you stick to Old Town, you'll
feel like you've entered an alternate reality of
peace and quiet where humans rule instead of
cars. And isn't that something worth celebrating?
| Ljubljana is eminently walkable and tourist-friendly. Here's Old Town as seen from Ljubljana Castle. |
| There's also a thriving farmer's market that's fun to explore |
| There's no question how Dragon Bridge got its name! |
| Enjoying a meal at one of the cafes lining the river is a highlight of any visit here |
| This bridge is covered in locks from one end to the other |
| Further down the river, the architecture continues to impress |
| Preseren Square is at the center of Old Town |
| Cobblestones create their own interesting patterns at your feet |
| Delicate scrollwork adds to the beauty of some of the buildings |
| The Cathedral of St. Nicholas is just around the corner |
| The salmon-pink facade of the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation anchors Preseren Square |
| Triple Bridge -- Ljubljana's most famous -- is right on the main square |
| Distinctive bridges connect the two sides of town, while tour boats ply the river |
| The Ljubljanica River winds its way in charming fashion through Old Town |
| The nearby University of Ljubljana on Congress Square is another impressive architectural sight |
| Tivoli Park has been called the "green lungs of the city" |
| Time to tackle the castle! That means some uphill climbing. |
| Equally impressive were the castle grounds (free), filled with gorgeous trees, statues, and birdsong |
| Then there's the amazing views of Old Town from on high |
| The perfect way to celebrate your castle visit is "Kremsnita," the ultimate cream-and-custard Slovenian dessert |
| Our Hotel Emonec displays a touch of Art Nouveau |
| Wherever you go in Old Town, Ljubljana Castle looms above you |
