Derivative from the Slovenian word ljubljena, or beloved,
Ljubljana has romance in its name. It is believed that Slovenia’s capital is
the hidden gem of Europe, nestled in the heart of the continent, both close
enough in-land to maintain a traditional and chic city feel, whilst combining a
relaxed Mediterranean vibe in the summer months due to its proximity to the Adriatic
Sea. Ljubljana’s array of inspiring architectural creations – from its
picturesque bridges to its stunning cathedral – fill the city’s every corner,
and its lush green spaces add to its natural romantic feel.
With springtime on the horizon, the desire to explore
Europe’s most delightful offerings is immense, thus I couldn’t help but concoct
a Ljubljana Wish List for 2018 …
Like all quaint European and Mediterranean gems,
Ljubljana hosts a splendidly pastoral Central Market, brimming with blossoming
flowers, tropical fruits and other rustic and tasty treats. Following the curve
of Ljubljana’s river, every Wednesday one can explore an organic market, filled
with the finest goods produced in lush Slovenian farms.
The Church of St Nicholas is too exquisite to miss when
exploring Ljubljana. Its simple and sweet exterior, glowing gold in the late
afternoon sun, does not boast its breath-taking interior; instead, visitors will
be stunned when they find the artistry inside, and all will feel as though you’ve
just stepped into a magnificent life-size baroque painting...
Ljubljana is known for its phenomenal array of famous bridges,
from the mesarski (or butchers’) love bridge – whereupon
countless couples have padlocked their love, before dropping the keys into the
Ljubljanica river, to the dramatically pillared Cobblers’ Bridge, all hosting
fabulous views of the river beneath and city around.
Is there anything more dreamy than taking a mid-day boat journey
across the Ljubljanica during the spring and summer months? The tourist boat
named Ljubljana is the perfect way to
unwind and take in the vivid scenery which encompasses the city.
Visiting Ljubljana means that you have the opportunity to
visit a whole host of other exciting excursions, including a stunning selection
of Slovenia’s most wonderful sights such as the enchanting Bled, wherein a
stunning fairytale castle rests upon the blissfully serene lake. There is even
the opportunity to uncover why Ljubljana is named the ‘city of vine and wine’;
with its situation at the cross-roads of the Mediterranean, Karst, Alps and
Pannonian Basin regions, Ljubljana is a flourishing wine land, a secret which
its lucky visitors hold close to their hearts.
Tivoli Park is the largest park in Ljubljana – known for
its vibrant green land, it is no surprise that Ljubljana was the European Green
Capital in 2016. Especially fantastic for 2018, visitors in the area can discover
the treasures of Kamnik and the University Botanic Gardens in a gigantic
outdoor photographic exhibition, and bask in the rich beauty and history of
Kamnik.
Will you be exploring Ljubljana in 2018? Let me know! In the meantime, happy spring x
All photos are edited by Sapphire Demirsöz. All originals
are provided by Flickr and Creative Commons users Pedro Szekely, Arian Zwegers,
Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, Lars Plougmann and Lemsipmatt.
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