Perched atop a picturesque hill in the heart of Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana Castle is an enduring symbol of the nation’s rich history and architectural splendor. This majestic fortress has watched over the city for centuries, bearing witness to the ebb and flow of time and the evolution of the Slovenian identity.
The written history of Ljubljana Castle dates back to the 11th century, when it was first mentioned in historical records. It has served as a fortress, a residence for nobility, a military stronghold, and as a prison. Today, it makes a versatile cultural and historical center with two restaurants, a café, concert venues, multiple museums, a watchtower, and a gift shop.
One of Plečnik’s most notable contributions to Ljubljana Castle is the Chapel of St. George, which he renovated and transformed into a masterpiece of modern sacral architecture. He also did the landscaping, creating the terraced gardens and paths that offer panoramic views of Ljubljana and the surrounding countryside.
All this is somewhat ironic because Plečnik also published controversial plans to knock the entire castle down and build an iconic new parliament building instead. While the never-executed parliament building would certainly have been striking, we can safely say it is a good thing that this particular project never made it off the drawing board.
Sights along the way:
- Križanke,
- City Museum of Ljubljana,
- Križevniška street,
- National and University Library,
- Hercules Fountain
