Ljubljana WalkAbout with Sašo

Sašo Golub was our guide for the morning walk around Ljubljana. He was expressive, spoke clearly, and gave us interesting information about the architecture and other sights of the old town area. For additional photos of places included on the tour, and taken when we moseyed about on our own, see "Lovely Ljubljana - Parts 1 and 2" posts.

Much of the beauty of Ljubljana is due to the work of influential architect and native son, Jože Plečnik. (Bob and I took a tour of his home.) The renovation of the old Križanke monastery (pictured) into this open theatre was Plečnik’s last work. 

Day 2 Itinerary includes the morning tour with Sašo and a free afternoon and evening for us to explore Ljubljana on our own.

Ljubljana is probably one of the few cities in the world whose central town square - Prešernov trg square - is adorned with a statue of a poet rather than a political or military hero. (There is even a splash pad in the square.)

The poet, France Prešeren (1800–1849), who wrote mostly in Slovenian and is best known for his sonnets, was one of Europe's great Romantic poets.

Our hotel was just around the corner from the University College of Music. As an indication of how important the arts are in Ljubljana, we were told that all music lessons are free for children.

I wish I had a better photo of the Triple Bridge that was Plečnik's answer for enlarging the single center bridge. Just to the left of the sunny Art Noveau building is the start of the large market building that he also designed. I didn't get a better photo of the market square side, which had a lovely colonnade. It is where we attended Open Kitchen. (See "Lovely Ljubljana - Part 1")

As we walked through the market, Sašo pointed out reproductions of bee house art. We had visited the Museum of Apiculture in Radovljica and saw many examples of bee house art (see Vintgar Gorge Hike and Apiculture Museum post on August 28). 

We stopped to admire the "Slovene Door" on the St. Nicholas Cathedral. The door shows the history of Slovenia and was added in 1996 to celebrate the 1,250th anniversary of Christianity in Slovenia that coincided with a visit by Pope John Paul II.

A walk through the large daily market displayed abundant produce, meats, cheeses, clothes, and flowers.

Also in the market was the Mlekomat milk dispensing machines. Bring your own jug, or buy a jar on the spot. Place it under the spout…and daily get fresh, raw, full-fat cow's milk. A glass is 10 cents and a liter is about 1 USD.

The entrance to the Ljubljana Theological Seminary Library is flanked by two sculptures of Atlas.

The Butcher's Bridge (pedestrian only) is adorned with love locks. On the left is the river facing side of the market which used to house meat markets.

There are 4 dragons on the Dragon Bridge, which opened in 1907.

After the walking tour, we were given free time for lunch, city explorations, and dinner. We headed up for the views from  the Nebotičnik skyscraper (see previous post https://carryoncookies.blogspot.com/2024/09/best-of-adriatic-tour-begins.html). We now think that Bob left his good sun hat there.