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Ljubljana - A capital gem

by  Rosemary Boyce

When it comes to describing the city of Ljubljana, capital of the Republic of Slovenia, words seem inadequate to portray all that is captivating

about this modern, yet small by comparison, city which boasts a central position in the heart of Slovenia.                                                      

It’s a city that instantly raises your spirits not only by its lively welcoming atmosphere, to discover the medieval heartland of Ljubljana is an experience that takes time to comprehend.

A first sighting draws your eye to an ancient hilltop castle, while beneath you are lured along the greenery clad banks of the Ljubljanica River with its riverside restaurants, tour boats and famed bridges with names like the Triple Bridge, Cobbler’s Bridge and Dragon Bridge, creating curiosity.

Getting down to sightseeing you might choose to explore Ljubljana by using a Ljubljana Card which offers numerous privileges, opt for a conducted two hour walking tour, or with city map in hand discover the sights at your leisure.

Certain to stop you on route is the amazing Baroque buildings and Art Nouveau mansions, not overlooking the exceptional work of Ljubljana’s

greatest architect Joze Plecnik. On a lighter note it is worthwhile to wander around the daily open market, also the impressive colonnaded market which is only a step away from Preseren Square, a central landmark. You might even be tempted to get a bird’s eye view of Ljubljana from the castle viewpoints.

All this before you take on board this city’s many museums and galleries, even a Library under trees, set up on the riverside stairs in the high season. Of note too is its comprehensive calendar of cultural and traditional events that take place during the year, many in the streets and squares. Boasting 11 theatres and four professional orchestras this city offers talent on a big scale.

Eating out is certain to be part of a Ljubljana experience. A favourite establishment with us, serving traditional Slovenian cuisine, is the Zlata Ribica Inn, in the heart of the old quarter, metres from the Triple Bridge.

Getting to Ljubljana, whether you choose to tow your caravan, or fly from the UK to Ljubljana Airport, one idea is to stay at the Ljubljana Resort Hotel and Camping Park situated in a green belt on the northern edge of Ljubljana alongside the Sava River. It offers a three star hotel, a four star campsite and five star mobile homes. Services available include a restaurant, fitness studio, wireless internet access and shuttle service from the airport. www.ljubljanaresort.si

Time out from the city might mean day trips to the many attractions this country offers. From this central point you might visit Lake Bled, a jewel in Slovenia’s crown. Towered over by the snow capped Julian Alps and famed for its island church and cliff top castle, which combine to create a breathtaking picture. Unique also is a trip to the Postojna Cave, the largest and most famous karst cave in Europe.

One thing for certain a fleeting visit to Ljubljana rarely suffices, we have made two visits to this city and just might return for a third.

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Ljubljana - A capital gem