Photo. View towards Ljubljana Castle from the Old Town. Travel Explorations.
As distances within Slovenia are short, Ljubljana is a perfect base for exploring Slovenia's diverse beauty. Within a single day you can visit the coast and high mountains and experience the Mediterranean, Alpine and continental climate.
Slovenia lies in the heart of Europe, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain meets the Karst. Strolled around and enjoyed the city of Ljubljana through its many architectural wonders and hidden streets. Most be one of Europa's most beautiful city's. Fantastic nice people. Stunned by the beautiful view across Ljubljana from the top of Ljubljana castle's tower on the hill. At Ljubljana’s heart is the highly photogenic Prešernov trg, just a short walk from the Old Town across the three-pronged Triple Bridge. The square is flanked by beautiful historic architecture, including the salmon-pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, and holds a monument to Slovenia's greatest poet, France Prešeren. Stepped inside the Ljubljana Castle for exploring the dramatic history behind the walls. The castle stands on Castle Hill above the downtown of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Originally a Medieval fortress. Got a wonderful view over the city from the top of the castle's tower.
Metelkova - an unique cultural centre
Metelkova Mesto, called Avtonomni kulturni center Metelkova mesto in Slovenian, is an ex-army garrison that’s evolved into a popular spot for clubs and nightlife. Metelkova is Ljubljana's autonomous alternative city-state in Slovenia and pulsating party square: once a military stronghold, now a proclaimed own state just like Christiana Freetown in Copenhagen. In the evenings people flocks to Metelkova for drinking, smoking, listen to alternative music and socialise. The music, atmosphere, people are amazing. Admired the special art on the walls. The barracks here were originally commissioned by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the late 19th century, and during its tumultuous history has been occupied by soldiers from Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany – before becoming a stronghold for the army of the authoritarian Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. For information about what`s on in Metelekova, see the website Metelkova Mesto.
Every year Metelkova Mesto hosts more than 1,500 alternative events in its illegally occupied buildings, catering to a wide spectrum of subcultures, from theatre performances and punk concerts to disability workshops and LGBT club nights. At Metelkova City a range of activities have been held. These include an art gallery, bars, artists studios, space for designers, offices of cultural organisations and concerts featuring different types of live music from Free Jazz, Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Punk rock, Heavy metal and Noise to Dub and Techno.
TheGuardian has an interesting article about Metelkova: How an abandoned barracks in Ljubljana became Europe’s most successful urban squat: Metelkova maintains a fine balancing act: this illegally occupied alternative capital of culture is autonomous but not anarchistic, liberal but not lawless.
A medieval adventure at Bled Castle, which is the oldest castle in Slovenia, located on top of an amazing cliff, offers stunning views of Lake Bled, a church on a small island and surrounding mountains.
Stein Morten Lund, 2nd November 2015
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Slovenia's capital and largest city also happens to be one of Europe's greenest and most liveable capitals. Indeed, the European Commission awarded Ljubljana with the coveted Green Capital of Europe title for 2016. Car traffic is restricted in the centre, leaving the leafy banks of the emerald-green Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city's heart.
Ljubljana, Slovenia's biggest city (say lyoob-lya-nah – the j’s are mostly silent), also happens to be one of Europe's greenest and most liveable capitals. It’s conveniently set up for visitors too – most of the city’s top attractions are clustered in a compact pedestrianised area around a bend in the pretty Ljubljanica River, perfect for casual wandering.
Ljubljana Castle and Old Town
Visitors traditionally begin their exploration of Ljubljana by heading up Castle Hill to check out the sweeping views of the city from Ljubljana Castle’s watchtower. There are several ways to reach the castle, with the easiest (and most fun) being a 70m-long glass-walled funicular that leaves from the Old Town just behind Vodnikov trg. Alternatively, you can hike the hill in 20 minutes from one of several paths that run up from the Old Town. Along with the usual historical exhibitions, there are a couple of excellent restaurants within the castle, so you might want to time your visit to coincide with lunch.
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