Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia. The city is well known for its beauty and natural beauty as well as for the beauty of the Ljubljana River and its historical monuments. Ljubljana is also a cultural city. The two regions, which are separated as Old and New cities, also host places to visit.
Ljubljana, the headquarters of Southeast European country Slovenia, is located in the heart of the country on the Save and Ljubljanica rivers, between the Alps and the Mediterranean.
When did Ljubljana Become the Capital?
The first settlement in the region dates back to 2000 BC. The marshes near Ljubljana were founded by people living in the houses built on the pillars. Prehistoric houses and the oldest wooden wheel in the world were uncovered in these marshes. Since 2011, the remains of the UNESCO World Heritage List have been exhibited in the City Museum of Ljubljana.
In 50 BC the city became a permanent settlement by the Romans under the name of Emona and the first foundations of the city were laid. Emona was a Roman fortress on the banks of the Ljubljanica river and played an important role in the trade with colonialists in the northern part of Italy. The fortress was captured and destroyed by the Huns under the rule of Attila in 452. In later years, the city was dominated by many peoples due to its geographical location in the center of Europe.
The urban settlement in Ljubljana began in the second half of the 12th century. In the 15th century, Ljubljana made progress in the art of painting and sculpture. However, the earthquake in 1511 caused the city to be rebuilt. The Jesuits settled in the 16th century, led to the development of theater and baroque music, and founded the first Catholic schools. Ljubljana, unfortunately in 1895 suffered more than a serious earthquake. After the earthquake, the city underwent a period of regeneration and rejuvenation that lasted for 14 years and took its present architectural appearance.
Ljubljana was attached to the Kingdom of Slovenia after the First World War and became the capital of the Drava Banovina, a Yugoslav state. It was occupied by Italy in the Second World War. At the end of the war, it was the capital of the Socialist Republic of Slovenia. With the independence of Slovenia, Ljubljana continued to be the capital of independent Slovenia.
Features of Ljubljana
Ljubljana has a population of 279,631 compared to the 2016 year. Ljubljana has an area of 163.8 square kilometers. Ljubljana is at the intersection of different climates such as the different oceanic climate, continental climate, and the Mediterranean climate. Therefore, each climate has different effects. Summer, especially in July and August, is sunny and warm. However, it is also possible to see precipitation in summer and temperatures do not exceed 30 degrees. Winter months are cold and snowfall is common. Also, the fog of the city is famous and fog can be seen from August to winter.
You can find many delicious and different alternatives in the city, where you can feel the influence of Austrian and German cuisine, especially Italian cuisine. Štruklji is the traditional dish of Slovenia. Idrijski žlikrofi is a dish made of potato pieces filled with potatoes, meat, and vegetables.
You can taste nuts or donut-shaped breads and try the delicious pizza. Wine and beer are also common beverage alternatives. Sweets also have an important place in Slovenian cuisine. Prekmurska gibanica is a type of cake made of ingredients such as poppy, cheese, nuts, apples, grapes. Potica is also made with hazelnuts and honey.
Important Places to See in Ljubljana
You will be interested in the dragons that have become the city’s icon in the cultural city where all the attractions are within walking distance. A boat trip on the Ljubljana river will add beauty to your trip. Tourists from all over the world come to this historic city to enjoy the city, famous for its greenery. Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge and the Tivoli City Park are some of the places to visit.