Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana is the largest city in Slovenia, with a population of just over 270,000. We only spent a few hours there, but I'd love to go back. It's a charming old town on the Ljubljanica River, overlooked by Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad).

The original medieval fortress Ljubljana Castle dates from the 11th century, but was rebuilt in the 15th century with additions in the 16th and 17th centuries. It's been an arsenal, a prison, a residential complex, and now a major tourist attraction and cultural centre. The outdoor stage in Congress Square is for the annual Ljubljana Summer Festival. 

The view from the top of the Outlook Tower over the medieval city. Up until just a few years ago, the treed space on the right was an ugly parking lot. The current mayor has moved the parking underground and created a pleasant central park area.

To get to the top of the Outlook Tower, there are two circular staircases, one up, and one down. Make sure you are going in the right direction, there is no room to pass on the stairs.

Love Locks on the Butcher's Bridge.... pledge your undying love with a padlock and then throw the key into the river. If the relationship fizzles out, do you have to dive into the river to find the key?

Part of the Triple Bridge (Tromostovje), and the statue of Slovenian national poet France Prešeren in the Square of the Republic. That's his muse perched on the column behind him. Poets always have a muse!

We wandered through the old medieval streets and along the river, enjoying the atmosphere and the ambiance. I'd love to visit again, with a bit more time to explore.

More pictures to come.
If you have visited Ljubljana, please leave me a comment and tell me about it.