The green capital of the Republic of Slovenia
Area: 275 km2
Population: 283000
Average temperature in winter: – 0.3 °C
Average temperature in summer: 20.7 °C
Ljubljana is a mid-sized European city, but it also has all the facilities of a modern capital. Because of its central position, Ljubljana is a perfect base for exploring other parts of Slovenia. Even though Ljubljana is a small city, it has a rich historical heritage and tradition, combined with the characteristics of a modern city. Ljubljana is a relatively young city, with the average age of its residents a bit over 30 years.
Every year, Ljubljana hosts several cultural events, including prestigious musical, theatre and art events, alternative and avant-garde events, as well as international festivals.
Ljubljana has a five thousand year history, reaching back as far as the Roman times. The remains of the Roman city of Emona mix with those of Italian Baroque and partly Art Nouveau architecture, which can be found in numerous buildings constructed after the earthquake of 1895. Jože Plečnik, a famous Slovenian architect, put an indelible personal stamp on his native Ljubljana in the second half of the 20th century.
The legend of Ljubljana states that »Ljubljana was founded by the Greek mythological hero Jason and his companions, the Argonauts, who had stolen the golden fleece from King Aetes and fled from him across the Black Sea and up the Danube, Sava and Ljubljanica rivers. At a large lake in the marshes near the source of the Ljubljanica they stopped and disassembled their ship to be able to carry it to the Adriatic Sea, put it together again, and return to Greece. The lake was the dwelling place of a monster, which Jason fought, defeated and killed. The monster, now referred to as the Ljubljana Dragon, found its place atop the castle tower depicted on the Ljubljana coat of arms.«
Source: http://www.visitljubljana.com
