Ljubljana is spreading in a basin between karst and Alps at an altitude of almost 300 m above sea level. One says, it is just large enough to offer everything neccesary for a capital, but however, small enough to preserve the individuality of its citizen. It is a city with its own soul. The majestic medieval castle dominates the baroque old town, art nouveau residences and the master pieces of the world-renowned Slovenian architect Jože Plecnik.

Legend has it that Ljubljana has been founded by Jason, the greec hero. In the early ages, Jason stole the Golden Fleece from the king of Kolchis. He and his compainions escaped from their pursuers aboard his ship Argo. But instead of fleeing southwards to the Aegean, they reached the estuary mouth of the Danube by mistake. So they made their way to the source of the Ljubljanica. There, Jason came upon a terrible monster, battled it and killed it. This was assumed to be the dragon of Ljubljana, as depicted on the city arms at the castle’s pinnacle.

By referendum on decembre, 23rd of 1990 the Slovenian people voted for the autonomy of their country. On June 25th of 1991, Slovenia declared its independence. Thus Ljubljana became capital of the independent state of Slovenia and the center of political, cultural, economic and scientific life of the Slovenian nation. Compared to other European capitals, with only about 275.000 inhabitants, Ljubljana is still a city making to measure its people.


Zavod za turizem Ljubljana
Telefon: 00 386 1 306 12 15
e-Mail: tic(at)ljubljana-tourism.si

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