Rushed here from Venice after a day there. Hoped to catch the start of the 2014 World Cup Final between Deutschland and Argentina but the long journey meant I had to make do with catching only 2nd half of extra time. We all know what happened in that half... Mario Götze (the traitor of Dortmund) scored the World Cup winning goal against Sergio Romero after Messi failed to inspire his team. That of course meant that Deutschland wurde Weltmeister!
Right, so back to Ljubljana... The capital of Slovenia was historically the capital of Carniola during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The fact that it was more or less geographically "centred" in Slovenia meant that culture, science and industries would congregate here.
Despite it being the largest city in Slovenia, its land area stands at just 163.8 square kilometres. It doesn't exactly have world-renowned attractions as compared to Vienna for example, which has the huge Schönbrunn among others. All these make it much less touristy and the perfect destination for me to visit.
It might not have the attractiveness of its neighbouring capitals (like Rome, Wien and Prague), but Ljubljana still has some really pretty sights. The relative peace and quiet makes it all the more enjoyable too!
This was the morning after Deutschland's World Cup win, so you could imagine, I was in buoyant mood and was proudly wearing my heritage Deutschland shirt to soak it in! :)
Right after Phillip Lahm lifted the trophy in the Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. And here I was in a small little room in Ljubljana celebrating away ;) Deutschland ist Weltmeister!
Not exactly very patriotic, I guess. But, I still love my Singapore lah! ;)
The Ljubljana Dragon, one of 4 on the Zmajski most (Dragon Bridge), is the symbol of the city. Decided to do my own interpretation of the photo hanging on the wall in my World Cup celebration photo from the night before :)
Staying on the Dragon Bridge, this is the 2nd Ljubljana Dragon with Stolnica svetega Nikolaja (Ljubljana Cathedral) in the background.
Legend has it that Jason and his Argonauts (Greek mythology, slayed a dragon before he founded Ljubljana.
This arch bridge is considered one of the most beautiful Wiener Secession bridges. The 4 dragons symbolize power, courage, and greatness. Driving over the bridge gave me the sense that the they were like guardians of the city.
Vodnikov trg (Vodnik Square), the town square of Ljubljana. Named after Slovene priest Valentin Vodnik (also a poet and journalist), this town square covers a large area from the Dragon Bridge to the Triple Bridge.
Today, it is the Ljubljana Central Market with a range of flowers, fruits, fishes, dairy, meat to choose from as well as some bakery stalls.
My greedy little sister trying to get a bite of the giant watermelon :P
Across the Ljubljanica via the Triple Bridge to Prešernov trg (Prešeren Square). This statue here is that Slovene national poet France Prešeren. Amongst one of the best known monuments in all of Slovenia, it was unveiled on 10 September 1905.
Tromostovje (Triple Bridge), connecting the historical, medieval Ljubljana old town with the modern city of Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia.
The Ljubljana Castle is covered by the Kresija Palace (where the Ljubljana Tourist Information centre is) on the left.
From the perspective of France Prešeren's statue.
Cerkev Marijinega oznanjenja (Franciscan Church of the Annunciation). Perhaps the most outstanding one among the buildings around because of its red (more towards pink). According to the locals, the red symbolises the Franciscan monastic order.
Slovene National Opera and Ballet Theatre (Ljubljanska operna hiša) is Slovenia's national opera building. The black portion of the building in the top corner of this photo is part of the expansion that it underwent in 2011.
Ljubljanski grad (Ljubljana Castle) is the medieval castle located on Grajski grič (Castle Hill). It overlooks Ljubljana Old Town. Seen here is the castle's tower with the Ljubljana city flag.
Ljubljanski grad (Ljubljana Castle) is the medieval castle located on Grajski grič (Castle Hill). It overlooks Ljubljana Old Town. Seen here is the castle's tower with the Ljubljana city flag.
From atop the Ljubljana Castle looking down to Ljubljana's Old Town and Prešeren Square. You can still spot the red (or pink) Franciscan Church of the Annunciation from so far away.
Just on the outside of the fortifications of the castle with my dad and mum.
Built solely for the purpose of defending against the Ottomans and revolting peasants. It underwent transformations and was used for many other purposes, including a prison as well as a military hospital.
Celebrating Germany's World Cup win with my mum and dad with the castle tower in the background.
The castle gradually lost its significance over the years because, unlike many other castles, it was not a residence for some imperial ruler.
Decided to do some crazy jumping celebrations outside the castle grounds and my little sister, Bernice captured this one to perfection.
The castle gradually went into disrepair and was bought over by the Municipality of Ljubljana with the intention of converting it into a museum. That didn't turn out so it was converted into a place for poor families to settle in. Nice gesture eh?
This lasted until the 1960s before it was prepped for massive renovation works that gave it its present day looks.
Silhouette within the courtyard of the castle. Still in celebratory mood of course! :D
Summertime is usually when most cities are flooded with tourists. But despite it being the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana wasn't as crowded as I imagined it to be. I personally thought it was a rather quiet city so spending a day taking a slow relaxing walk around the city can be quite enjoyable.
So, this was the largest city in Slovenia. Next up was a short drive up to the 2nd largest one: Maribor, which also happens to be a very close neighbour to my Austrian home in Graz :)
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