Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia. It is a political, financial, industrial, cultural, scientific, educational and business centre of the country. Since 2000, it has been twinned with Moscow.

The symbol of the capital is the Ljubljana dragon. According to legend, the fearless Argonaut Jason managed to defeat the bloodthirsty monster and saved the inhabitants from eternal fear. At the beginning of the 20th century, a new bridge was built on the site of the old bridge. Originally it was called the Jubilee Bridge, but soon after the offers of city dwellers it was renamed the Dragon Bridge (Slovene: Zmajski most) and is now a landmark of Slovenia and one of the most photogenic spots of Ljubljana.

The neighbourhood of the city was part of the ancient Roman possessions. The first mention of the city is attributed to the XII century. In the XIII century, it was recorded as a city on the River Ljubljanica. Since 1991, Ljubljana is the capital of independent Slovenia.

Ljubljana is a major transport hub. It is located at the intersection of European roads connected by a highway with Italy, Croatia, Hungary, and Austria. The Ljubljana International Airport, known as the Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, is about 25 km from the city.

The main higher educational institution of the capital is the University of Ljubljana. It is the oldest and most famous high school in Slovenia with 22 faculties, 3 academies of arts and a college. More than 64 thousand students study in the university, which was founded in 1919. The educational institution employs more than 3 thousand professors and academic researchers. It is part of the Utrecht Network—the Association of European Universities.

There is an excellent climate in Ljubljana. Moderate continental type softened by the proximity of the warm sea and mountains that protect the city from the cold north winds. In winter, the average temperature is 0…+2 °C, and in summer, about +20 °C, although in July it is usually very hot here. Those in the know recommend coming here to get acquainted with the capital of Slovenia in spring, when everything is blooming, and start doing it from the main square of the city—the France Prešeren Square (Slovene: Prešernov trg), a famous Slovenian poet.

Right from the Square, you can walk to the three bridges. These are three pedestrian bridges across the River Ljubljanica spreading out like a fan. They were designed by the architect Jože Plečnik. The majority of the capital’s temples and ancient buildings are built in the Baroque style. There are many well-kept parks and squares in the city. The most beautiful one is the Tivoli Park with its numerous statues, fountains, flowerbeds and interesting trees. It is possible to enjoy Ljubljana’s bird’s eye panorama from the Ljubljana Castle (IX century) standing on a high hill. The castle can be reached by a cable car.

Every year, the Ljubljana marathon is held in the capital. The route of the marathon traditionally passes through the streets and roads of the capital centre as well as the surrounding area. It inalterably starts on the Slovenska Street and finishes at the Congress Square. Not only professional athletes can take part in the marathon. There are different routes varying in complexity and length for different levels of participants.

In addition to sports events, a large number of other popular festivals is held in the city. The most popular winter event is the December in Ljubljana. In summer, the Nights in the Old City and Medieval Days are held.

In general, the cultural life of Ljubljana is incredibly rich and diverse. There are a lot of museums, theatres with modern productions, an aqua park, thermal spa centres, dance clubs, public libraries, and cultural centres in Ljubljana.

You will definitely find here something to your liking. Something that will leave its mark on your soul so that you will desire to return to the capital of Slovenia more than once.

Source: restbee.ru