Ljubljana is an unusual city in that it represents the vision of a single architect, Joze Plecnik (1872-1957) who designed the layout, many of the important buildings, and even the cemetery (!) which we will visit later in the week.  He also designed the unique Triple Bridge, seen above and below, which connects the Old Town and the New Town.

The Bridge, and the central square, are the heart of the city. The square is ringed by cafes, there’s music, a water feature, and in the summer months there are (great) bands playing every night. The area brings the city inhabitants together – which is just what the architect intended.

Yesterday (Tuesday) we visited the library (see previous post) and Plecnik’s home.

Below, Plecnik’s work  desk. Everything in the house has been left exactly as it was when he died  His home is quite modest. And although he designed a city that would bring people together, he lived alone and seldom had visitors.

Plecnik regarded his home as a sacred space. Rather than admitting people other than family and a few close friends, he preferried to receive guests in an unheated ante room with uncomfortable seating.

From around town: a lovely bookstore with a name I love.

Gorgeous doors, just because

Below, Congrress Square. Built in 1821, it was here that in 1991 Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia.

That’s the castle in the background.

After a ten day war of independence and the withdrawal of the Yugoslav army, the former barracks  were occupied by an art collective. It’s been christened Metelkova Mesto and is now a tourist attraction during the day, albeit a bit sketchy after dark.

Tomorrow we head out of the city for a day and a night in Lake Bled and the Slovenian Alps.