 Ljubljana, like other cities and municipalities in Slovenia, has their own coat-of-arms which you can see in different forms around the town. It consists of a green dragon above the castle, but it hasn't been always the same.
On the pictures bellow you can see older versions, where the castle is just a tower and the dragon looks like...hard to tell. But since no one ever saw dragon anyway, we can call it dragon.
Of course there is one in the middle of Ljubljana flag and you can see it on some buildings, especially if the construction was paid by the municipality.
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 For long it was thought that only modern human was capable of creating and/or using art. It turn's out that is not the case. We are lucky enough that Slovene archaeologist have found what is considered to be the oldest musical instrument, flute to be exact, ever found in the World. Found in 1995 and for long under thorough examination until they've realized it has to be somewhere from 50.000 to 60.000 years old! At that time modern human, homo sapiens sapiens, haven't even existed.  One of architect Jože Plečnik's finest masterpieces is undoubtedly his realization of what is today called National and University Library, which they started building in 1937. From outside the building looks a lot different than any of its neighbors, attracting views with its mostly orange bricks and almost natural rocks facade. On two opposite facades two big windows are places, with ionic column in the middle. Most of the smaller windows are bay windows that for many interpreters of Plečnik's heritage mean books.  Have you heard that the only preserved monument for a civilian, i.e. regular person, like you or me, with a statue on a tall column in the entire territory of the Roman Empire, that means from Spain to UK to Syria to Egypt was excavated in Ljubljana?
 It might seem that this will be a post about museum shop. But don't be fooled, what I am sharing with you it is almost unknown Plečnik's work, The ultimate architect of Ljubljana. And you can see it absolutely free.
Since he was a big fan of tradition, it is not difficult to understand that he responded to the request in 1939 to draw the plans for the interior of the shop that was going to sell traditional arts. Its original position was at Kongresni trg Square.  Let's face it, cemetery has it's own feel, not necessarily pleasant to everyone. But nevertheless, it truly can be a great revelation of understanding the country better. And not to forget a beautiful, peaceful walk through outdoor gallery.
Ljubljana's cemetery, called Žale, is a remarkable piece of work, not only there is a breathtaking Garden of All Saints designed by Jože Plečnik also the rest of the cemetery is special to see.  Social Ljubljana Tour, named romantically - as a lot of things in sLOVEnia- Ljubljana with love, invites you to pay a visit to independent social companies that are part of a local ‘Think Social. Buy Local.’ movement.
While getting to know many stories of today's life in Slovenia and its capital you walk through the beautiful medieval part of Ljubljana and get to eat some food. Food with background, of course.  Every sunny Sunday in this summer there is an extraordinary workshop for children in the center of Ljubljana. And when I say "in the centre" it means it can't be more central...at Prešern Square there is a cafe that hosts this workshop.
 A group most known for its graffiti tour of Ljubljana launched a new tour this May and I just had to check it out. I like seeing and hearing what fellow guides have to say, especially on one of my favorite subject, alternative view of Ljubljana.
 Cobblers’ Bridge, known also as a Shoemaker Bridge got its name from the many past shoemakers’ workshops on the bridge. Back at those days it looked similar than today’s famous Ponte Vecchio, Old Bridge in Florence, Italy.  Tivoli is Ljubljana's largest park, covering an area approximately 5 km2 and stretching right into the city centre. It is very popular among its residents and, similar to Central park in New York, offers space for recreation like jogging or strolling, offers shade in summer heat, has sports centre, 2 national museums National Museum of Contemporary History and International Centre of Graphic Arts, a greenhouse that can be visited and a few bars to refresh yourself.
 Dragon Bridge is one of the main tourist attractions in Ljubljana. Everybody wants to see the famous Ljubljana dragon and have a picture with it so don’t be surprised to see tourist climbing up the Dragon Bridge.
 Ljubljana Dragon Ljubljana is believed to be the city of dragons, after all, there is a dragon in City of Ljubljana’s coat of arms on the top of the castle. We believe it symbolizes strength, courage and might, even though the Ljubljana dragon had to be killed, according to the legend, by Greek hero Jason, so the people of Ljubljana could live freely. This double standard is rather confusing, but so is the legend. There is also a Christian legend, that St. George was actually the one killing the dragon.
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TjašaAfter writing a blog in Slovenian language for 10 years I have finally come to my sense and started writing one in English as well. Categories
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