Travel, Wine & Shoes

Slovenia and the capital city of Ljubljana.  In my mind I always said L-Jub-L-Jana, but it’s pronounced “loo-bee-ana”.  Ljubljana is a beautiful city and the flowers in the rubber boots is by far my favourite picture from here.

I arrived by train from Zagreb, Croatia and it was the last time using my 3-month Global Train Pass.  If you’re travelling for an extended time in Europe, check out the Eurail Global Pass.  I stayed at the Turn Hostel which is an English Pub – it was fabulous

Dragon Bridge

It was a rainy, drizzly day and my first stop was the Dragon Bridge.  Completed in 1901, this bridge spans the Ljubljana River.  There are four dragon statues standing on pedestals at its four corners and the bridge is decorated by sixteen smaller dragon statues.

There’s a legend about the Dragon Bridge and Jason.  Jason was the ancient Greek hero of Jason and the Argonauts who searched for the Golden Fleece.  The legend is that Jason was the founder of Ljubljana, and he and his Argonauts killed a dragon.  This is one of the four dragon statues in the bridge and according to local legends, when a virgin crosses the bridge, the dragons will wag their tails.

Triple Bridge

The Triple Bridge consists of the original stone bridge (middle) built in 1842 and two additional bridges added in 1931.  It’s the entrance to the Old Town.

Prešeren Square

The heart of Ljubljana and the central square.

Franciscan Church of the Annunciation

Located in Prešeren Square, this church was built between 1646 and 1660 and the red colour of this church is symbolic of the Franciscan monastic order.  I really liked the engraving on the stairs going in.

Ljubljana Castle

Construction started in the 11th Century and it is a landmark of Ljubljana.  An interesting note is this castle is depicted on the city’s coat of arms along with a dragon on top.

Tivoli City Park

I dawdled and strolled through a portion of this park.  It’s gorgeous.

There was an exhibition from the National Gallery in the park.

I sat on a bench inside an alcove and looked out at the park.  It was a cold day and I stopped and had a hot cocoa with cream.

Saints Cyril and Methodius Church

This church was built between 1932 and 1936 and has five domes with golden crosses at the top.

I call Cyril and Methodius the Alphabet Saints.  They are brothers from the 800’s that invented the Glagolitic alphabet.  There are a lot of churches named after them in Europe.

The National Gallery of Slovenia (Narodna Galerija)

The National Gallery of Slovenia holds art from the High Middle Ages to the 20th Century.  The building was built in 1896.

Cathedral of St. Nicholas

Built between 1701 and 1708, this cathedral is stunning.  The bronze door is a work of art.  I went inside and lit more candles – I think I lit candles all over Europe.

The Puppet Theatre

The Puppet Theatre was founded in 1948.  They have productions for all ages.  I loved the kangaroo!

Ljubljana Opera House

Built in 1892, this building is wow!  The Slovene National Theatre Opera and Ballet Ljubljana stage an annual season of opera, ballet and concerts.

More Scenes of Ljubljana

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Happy Travels 💕

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Slovenia