The Plot

The site of the present Cobblers? Bridge (Čevljarski most) , which was built by architect Jože Plečnik between 1931 and 1932, was formerly occupied by a covered wooden bridge, which connected the two main parts of medieval Ljubljana, namely the Mestni trg square (Town Square) and the Novi trg square (New Square).

The Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg) , named after France Prešeren, the greatest Slovenian poet) developed from a crossroads located in front of the town gate in medieval times. Already back in the 17th century the Franciscan Church of Annunciation was built there, but the crossroads was turned into a square and paved only in the middle of the 19th century, after the town walls had been pulled down.

The central of the present three bridges forming the Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) has stood in its place since 1842, when it replaced an old, strategically important medieval wooden bridge, which used to be a transit route between the countries of the Northwestern Europe and the Southeastern Europe including the Balkans.

The present Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most) across the Ljubljanica river was built to replace the former wooden bridge called the Butchers? Bridge (Mesarski most), which was built in 1819. For reasons of economy, the Municipality of Ljubljana, who financed the building of the bridge, decided on a reinforced concrete construction, which was less expensive and more modern than stone constructions.

The Vodnikov trg square , the present site of Ljubljana?s Central Market (Osrednja tržnica), was until the earthquake of 1895 occupied by a diocesan college. Later, the Municipality of Ljubljana planned to make it the site of a new town hall, but the plan was changed after it had been established that the existing meat market halls situated at the nearby embankment no longer complied with hygiene regulations.

The Seminary Palace (Semeniška palača) , located behind the Cathedral (Stolnica), was built by architect Carlo Martinuzzi between 1708 and 1714. The building boasts a richly decorated entrance portal, which was in 1714 carved in the workshop of the stonemason Luka Mislej.

Ljubljana Castle (Ljubljanski grad) is the most spectacular sight of Ljubljana. There is proven evidence that the hill on top of which it is situated was inhabited back in the 12th century BC Preserved from this early period of settlement are the remains of the Urn Tomb culture.