Exploring Ljubljana, the Capital City of Slovenia
Marc and I knew that our hotel, the Best Western Premier Slon, was going to be in the city center. What we did not realize was that it was so, so centrally located, much to our delight. We literally just had to walk out the hotel entrance and right away we were in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the Slovenian capital.
Every time I watched travel shows about Ljubljana, I almost always saw the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation in Preseren Square. We wanted so much to explore this church, however, on the three days we were there, masses were held constantly throughout the day everyday which made it difficult to explore this supposed splendid example of Baroque architecture with a monastery next to it.
The monument dedicated to France Preseren (1800-1849) graces the center of the square named after him. Preseren is particularly famous for his poem "A Toast" or Zdravljica in Slovene which has been adopted as Slovenia's national anthem. He is also remembered for modernizing the Slovenian language.
At Preseren Square with the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation and the Preseren Monument behind me
The Open Air Market selling food both local and international dishes
For our late lunch, I had these slightly fried sardines, a local delicacy.
Marc, on the other hand, had Slovenian beef sausages in a bun.
The Mestni Trg or Mestni Square
The fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers. This is actually a replica of the original which is kept in the National Gallery.
At Mestni Trg or Mestni Square
In front of the Town Hall
The Town Hall's Clock Tower
Centuries old mural inside the Town Hall
A well inside the Town Hall
Another scene inside the Town Hall courtyard
This wooden paiinting is one of the popular souvenirs from Slovenia
Another wooden painting
Honey is a popular souvenir as well
More honey!
Cafes dot the city everywhere especially now that it is summertime.
A view of the river from Cobblers' Bridge
Water sports enthusiasts on the river right below Cobblers' Bridge
Slovenia University
The doors of the Slovenia University Building
Local buildings
A partial view of the Church of St. James
The Church of St. James
The column in front of the Church of St. James
Ornamentation on the side of the Church of St. Nicholas
One of the door entrances to the Church of St. Nicholas
Church of St. NIcholas
Church of St. NIcholas
Inside the Church of St. NIcholas
The nave of the Church of St. NIcholas
These doors framed by an impressive stone surround belong to the Seminary
