Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
eval artifacts. A model of the modern city—sitting upon footprints of the Roman (red) and
medieval (blue) settlements—illustrates Ljubljana's many layers of history. If it's not trav-
eling to other museums (as it often is), you may see the world's oldest wooden wheel on an
axle,datingfromaround3200
B.C.
anddiscoveredintheLjubljanamarshlands.Upstairsare
the mayor's room (with a few exhibits) and the ever-evolving permanent collection, called
Faces of Ljubljana. Exhibits on economy and trade include communist-era advertisements,
while another section explains how Ljubljana has belonged to 10 different states over the
last 200 years, ranging from the genteel Habsburg Empire to the oppressive Nazi regime to
membershipinthebenevolentEU.You'llalsoseeanactualFiatZastava750car,theclassic
“Fi
č
ko” car that everyone owned—or wanted to own—in communist Yugoslavia (sort of a
proto-Yugo). Rounding out the collection is a range of temporary exhibits.
Nearby:
Included in your ticket is an audio/videoguide that leads you on a walking tour
to two nearby archaeological sites.
• If visiting the museum, don't miss the nearby National and University Library and French
Revolution Square—both described in the next section.
South of Prešeren Square: Jože Plečnik's Architecture
Jože Ple
č
nik is to Ljubljana what Antoni Gaudí is to Barcelona: a homegrown and amaz-
ingly prolific genius who shaped his town with a uniquely beautiful vision. And, as in Bar-
celona, Ljubljana has a way of turning people who couldn't care less about architecture in-
to Ple
č
nik fans. There's plenty to see. In addition to the Triple Bridge, the riverside mar-
ket, and the sights listed here, Ple
č
nik designed the embankments along the Ljubljanica and
Gradaš
č
ica rivers in the Trnovo neighborhood; the rebuilt Roman wall along Mirje street,
south of the center; the Church of St. Francis, with its classicist bell tower; St. Michael's
Church on the Marsh; Orel Stadium; Žale Cemetery; and many more buildings throughout
Slovenia.
Some of the best Ple
č
nik sights are near the river, just south of Congress and Prešeren
squares. I've linked them into a short self-guided walk.
• From Prešeren Square, stroll south along the river. After the plain wooden bridge called
the “Ugly Duckling,” you'll come to the...
(Čevljarski Most)
Named for the actual cobblers (shoemakers) who set up shop along the river in olden times,
thebridgeencapsulates Ple
č
nik'sstyleperhapsbetterthananyotherstructure:simple,clean
lines adorned with classical columns. Ideal for people-watching (with the castle hovering
scenically overhead), this is one of Ljubljana's most appealing spots.
