There are numerous cultural, historical and architectural gems close to the hotel, eight of which are presented inside. Graphic designer Julija Strle Zornik depicted them on unique wallpapers and some hotel accessories. There is also a collection of original photographs with motifs of architectural heritage and modern architecture and portraits of some artists who live and create nearby.
Design
Sleeping dragon inside.
Dragon Bridge
It is not entirely clear how the dragon came to symbolize the city of Ljubljana. The most widely circulated among different legends about the myth’s origin includes Jason and the Argonauts encountering the fire breathing beast in the Ljubljana marshes, which of course resulted in a blood-bath. The poor dragon drew the short straw, but has remained ever-present on just about every Ljubljana-related item. A legend has it that the beasts perched on the Dragon Bridge will twitch their tails when a virgin girl walks by. We are still waiting.
Handwriting. Try it sometime.
A Toast – Slovenian national anthem / Prešernov trg
France Prešeren is considered by many to be the most important Slovenian poet, and you are unlikely to escape his romantic legacy when visiting our beautiful country. From bumping into his oversized image at Ljubljana’s Prešeren Square, to listening to his lyrics in the Slovenian national anthem, he is everywhere. Let his legendary love of women, wine and handwriting inspire you, too
We come. We stay.
Early Christian Centre / Erjavčeva cesta 18
Between 100 BC and 100 AD, what we now know as Ljubljana basin gave rise to the Roman town of Emona. An important stop on via publica, Emona peaked under Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD). Archaeologists continue to discover ancient treasures in practically every construction project, like this beautiful 5th century baptistery mosaic. A relatively simple endeavour of fixing your plumbing system can lead to astonishing finds and unprecedented delays, resulted in a running joke among contemporary residents of Ljubljana and their reluctance to dig unless absolutely necessary.
Color Me Madd
Vurnik house / Miklošičeva ulica 8
Architect Ivan Vurnik designed the now famous Vurnik House, or Cooperative Business Bank Building on Miklošičeva Street, in 1921. One of the most iconic examples of Slovenian late secession style, and an attempt at finding a “national style”, sports a rich facade of national colours intertwined with folk elements, the work of the long overlooked architect’s wife, Helena Vurnik.
Go … Create …
Križanke Summer Theatre / Trg francoske revolucije 1
Although architect Jože Plečnik left his mark in both Vienna and Prague, his hometown of Ljubljana was undoubtedly his first and true love. Inspired by ancient Athens, Plečnik’s Ljubljana is a collection of innovative classical features. Luckily, his legacy is still respected today and incorporated into new urban developments, resulting in a unique space, tailored to everyday needs of residents and passers-by. Walking tours of Plečnik’s Ljubljana are organised twice a week or by prior booking, revealing everything from his public library to his private home.
Free time. Go away.
Ljubljana Castle
High and prominent, the tower of Ljubljana Castle has long kept the town folk up to date, regarding anniversaries of Turkish flight, fires, natural disasters, religious holidays and,
of course, time of day. Special occasions have been marked by the town “whistlers”, trumpet and horn players who continue to practice the tradition for everyone’s listening pleasure throughout summer months. For everyday use, the clock will have to do.
Human body. 60 % water guaranteed.
Robba Fountain / Mestni trg
Designed in mid-1800s by Francesco Robba, the Fountain features three male figures pouring water, representing the gods of three Carniola rivers: the Ljubljanica, the Krka, and the Sava. Since 2008, the original marble fountain has been kept in Slovenia’s National Gallery, and was replaced in its original spot by a more selfie-friendly replica. Water plays an important role in Slovenian national consciousness. With over 9,000 m3 of renewable internal freshwater resources per capita annually, Slovenia remains well above the water stress level of 1,700 m3 and is the first European Union country to include the right to water in its constitution.
Handle. With care.
National and University Library / Turjaška ulica 1
Much of what Ljubljana looks like today is owed to renowned architect Jože Plečnik. Inspired by ancient Athens, Plečnik’s Ljubljana is a collection of innovative classical features. Luckily, his legacy is still respected today and incorporated into new urban developments, resulting in a unique space, tailored to everyday needs of residents and passers-by. Visit the nearby National Library (with the famous horse shaped door handles), and experience the interaction between spatial features and human spirits first-hand.