Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a central European city lying between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, in a basin where the Ljubljanica river flows into the Sava. It has all the facilities of a modern capital, and yet it has preserved its small-town friendliness and relaxed atmosphere. Its surrounding areas, packed with natural beauty and cultural sights bearing witness to the city's dynamic history, are renowned for their walking, hiking and cycle trails and a wide variety of culinary delights.

Ljubljana has preserved evidence of a five thousand year history including the remains of the Roman city of Emona and the old city centre with its medieval castle, Baroque façades, decorative portals and uneven roofs. Other significant bits of the city mosaic are picturesque bridges across the Ljubljanica river and the vast Tivoli park, which stretches into the very city centre.

Ljubljana's present appearance is partly due to the Italian Baroque and partly to Art Nouveau, which found expression in numerous buildings constructed after the earthquake of 1895.
In the 20th century, it was the world famous architect Jože Ple?nik (1872 -1957) who put a personal stamp on his native Ljubljana. Working tirelessly throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Ple?nik transformed Ljubljana through works such as the Church of St. Francis. Civic improvements included new bridges, waterfront, banks, and sluices along the Ljubljanica River; new market buildings, kiosks monuments, plazas, and parks; a new cemetery, Žale; and major buildings such as the monumental University Library. The city's appearance was further shaped by his students and a new wave of renowned young Slovenian architects.

A city of culture
Each year Ljubljana hosts over 10,000 cultural events, from prestigious musical, theatre and art events to alternative and avant-garde events, notably including 14 international festivals.
Congresses follow one after another throughout the year at the Cultural and Congress Centre and in the best hotels of the city.

Ljubljana's surrounding areas, packed with natural beauty and cultural sights bearing witness to the city's dynamic history, are renowned for their walking, hiking and cycle trails and traditional culinary delights.

Distances between places in Slovenia are short, which makes Ljubljana a perfect base for exploring the country's diverse beauty. Within a single day you can visit the Slovenian coast and high mountainous regions, and experience the Mediterranean, Alpine and continental climate.

Ljubljana basics
• Capital of the Republic of Slovenia, a European Union member state since 2004
• Area: 273 km2
• Population: 276,000
• Average temperature in January: - 0.3 °C
• Average temperature in June: 20.7 °C