Day 23 - A day in Ljubljana.

Day 23 : A day in Ljubljana.

We spent some time doing a few loads of washing in our wonderful Scrubba - such a great invention for travelers and really good to have clean clothes!

Just strolling through the peaceful walk ways and to feel the atmosphere of this city is wonderful. There are so many interesting nooks and crannies which are tucked away down alleyways, through an arch or in a small secluded square.

The American couple that we met last night said that the free walking tour of the city was excellent.The meeting place is at the Franciscan Church at 11:00. Our tour guide was the delightful Neza who revealed the real Ljubljana to us. We were fascinated by the history and architecture. The Triple, Cobblers and Dragon bridges are the main bridges across the Ljubljanica river. It is interesting to note that on the one side of the river the architecture is from the Secessionist period and on the other side from the Baroque period. Plecnik designed so many of the buildings in Ljubljana; he was a genius and ahead of his time. He designed simple, elegant buildings with a distinct Venetian influence that can be seen in the colonnades and balustrades which are prominent in all the buildings.

The stroll through the fresh produce river market was bustling with locals. Although the produce at the market is more expensive than the supermarkets the locals do support it because it is fresh, organic and often more tasty. 

Just behind the Cathedral of St Nicholas, a market with food stalls opens each Friday from 10:00- 20:00.  It is well supported by the locals especially in the evening when families come down to eat and a drink and catch up with friends. A fabulous way to spend a warm Friday evening. 

Soren Jankovic, current mayor of the city, was the man behind changing the streets into pedestrian and bike friendly areas. He also pedestrianized kilometers of riverfront embankment. The new look of Ljubljana is a good example of how a progressive electorate can trust a capable leader to wisely invest public funds in urban beautification projects that benefit the common good.

Ljubljana buzzes at night with lots of music along the river and on the bridges. People are out and about strolling through the cobbled streets, eating ice creams and enjoying the ambience of the city at night.

Ljubljana market - the place to be seen on a Saturday morning, a local tradition.

A part of Plecnic's Triple Bridge

The colonnade, again by ......- you've guessed it - Plecnic.

A dragon on Dragons' Bridge.

Peonies everywhere.

The modern doors of St Nicholas Cathedral depicting the history of Ljubljana, made to commemorate the Pope John Paul's visit.

Ljubljana River at night.