Ljubljana, Slovenia (1) – Kongresni Trg and Presernov Trg (Day 7 & 8)
The favourite destination of our European 2017 adventure is Ljubljana, Slovenia. Wonderfully surprised, we found this city exudes charm and beauty. The people we encountered were amazingly friendly. I absolutely love this city.
In reality, Ljubljana was never in my radar when I was planning this trip. When I initially looked into the train schedule from Vienna, Austria to Split, Croatia, I found that the distance was further than I wanted to travel within one day. I decided to make a stop somewhere in between and that’s when I discovered Ljubljana. After further investigation, I determined that a one day stopover was not enough to explore this area. Removing Croatia from our itinerary, we remain in Ljubljana and area for four days instead of one.
Two main squares reside in the old town district. The first one, Kongresni Trg (Congress Square) is located a short distance from our hotel (Hotel Cubo) and has wonderful views of the Ljubljana Castle. The second one, Presernov Trg (Preseren Square) is located only a block away from the first one.
Kongresni Trg (Congress Square)
We look east to Ljubljana Castle. The coffeeshop to the right of this photo was a great place for an espresso stop.
Just on the other side of these buildings is the river and old town. About a block to the left of this photo is Presernov Trg.
Turning right from the previous photo is the University Ljubljana
Founded in 1919, the school specializes in social & natural sciences and sports programs. A couple of guys from Ljubljana won the two-man basketball tournament held in Saskatoon a couple of years ago. Wondered if they studied here.
Next to the University is Muzej iluzij (Museum of illusions)
Turning right to the west is Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity. Our Hotel Cubo is located about a half block to the left of the church.
Aerial view from the Castle. A nice park is located to the right side of this square.
From Presernov Trg (Preseren Square)
Statue of the Slovene national poet France Preseren stands on the eastern side of the square.
Going left from the statue is the 17th-century Franciscan church, Cerkev Marijinega
Continuing left, the square has a great variety of shops to explore. Just over a block to the left of this picture is Kongresni Trg.
Part of the Tromostovje Triple Bridge
Three small bridges converge on the south bank of the river creating the shape of a “W”.
The middle bridge of the Tromostovje Triple Bridge, the square is located behind me.
The Castle looms high in the background
The third of the triple bridge
Fai Quan 