LJUBLJANA Travel Agent Manual

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Ljubljana’s green image Green, anywhere you look Ljubljana is a city boasting excellently preserved green spaces. Countless pleasant green nooks and crannies can be found even in the heart of the historical city centre. The per capita green space provision in Ljubljana stands at 542 square metres. The Ljubljana area boasts four nature parks. A number of the city’s neglected spaces have been turned into green oases for enjoyment and recreation. Greenembankmentsof theLjubljanica river The picturesque Ljubljanica river embankments , designed by the architect Jože Plečnik , are surrounded by trees and, particularly those located in the Krakovo and Trnovo quarters, just outside the historical city centre, also by grassy areas. Just a short walk away is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe . The longest green path around Ljubljana One of Ljubljana’s unique features is the Path of Remembrance and Comradeship, a 34-kilometre circular recreational route running along the course of the barbed- wire fence that surrounded Ljubljana during the Second World War. The path is lined by more than 7,000 trees . Each year for the past six decades, the Path has hosted the Recreational March around Ljubljana in celebration of Victory Day, 9 May. Water and drinking fountains While strolling around Ljubljana, you can quench your thirst at drinking fountains dispensing clean natural water that has not undergone any technological treatment. This is a luxury rarely found in capital cities. During the warm months, you can drink from your hands or refill your bottle at more than 30 drinking fountains across the city . At the City Museum of Ljubljana museum shop, you can get a water conservation- themed bottle ready to be filled with Ljubljana’s all-natural drinking water. Vegetables from gardens situated on the outskirts of Ljubljana Between the Eipprova ulica and Krakovska ulica streets, you can find one of Ljubljana’s few surviving residential areas of once suburban houses and about 30 gardens where the crunchy Ljubljana iceberg lettuce and other garden crops have been grown since the Middle Ages. The inhabitants of Krakovo are even today known as the ones who supply Ljubljana and its central market with fresh vegetables.

Popular green points of Ljubljana

Castle Hill The hill rising above the historical city centre of Ljubljana, often referred to as ‘the castle hill’ for being the site of Ljubljana Castle , is covered with well- maintained woods and criss-crossed by walking paths . It takes about 20 minutes to reach the top, starting from the historical city centre. At the top of the castle hill there are scenic tree-lined walks and lookout points offering stunning views across the entire cityscape and of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to the north. The most special of the hilltop paths leads along the fortifications in the Šance area of the hill – it was redesigned by the architect Jože Plečnik . Ljubljanica river boat cruises The embankments on the Ljubljanica River, crossed by attractive bridges dating from different periods in history, are pictured in some of the most iconic images of Ljubljana as a city with a waterway running through it. Go on a romantic tourist boat cruise . Take a walk and relax in the shade of willow and horse chestnut trees growing on the river embankments. Choose from the numerous little riverside restaurants and cafés and treat yourself to good food or a refreshing drink. Špica Špica, the renovated part of the Ljubljanica River embankment in the Prule area , not far away from the city centre, is perfect for

sunbathing and enjoying river views. This area has traditionally been used as a town beach and its present-day wooden terraces still make it look like one. Today, Špica is the site of a quay and a café perfect for chilling out and watching birds and other aquatic wildlife. Trnovski pristan The Trnovski pristan embankment, located just a short walk from Špica , is a tribute to Jože Plečnik , the city’s greatest modern architect, who saw the Ljubljanica River embankments as key to the modern urban development of Ljubljana as a city full of parks, public squares, colonnades, and social gathering spaces along its main waterway. The embankment offers beautiful views of Ljubljana Castle and the Hradecky Bridge , the second oldest bridge across the Ljubljanica, which has, since its renovation and relocation, connected the Krakovo and Prule quarters of Ljubljana. Botanical Garden The Botanical Garden in Ljubljana is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe. It was established as early as 1810, at the time of Napoleon’s Illyrian Provinces . Even Marshal Marmont himself, the first and main governor of the Illyrian Provinces, attended its opening and planted a linden tree, which nowadays still reigns in the arboretum area of the garden. In this verdant oasis, also considered the green soul of Ljubljana, you can also relax in the attractive Primula tea room .