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Europe Slovenia Ljubljana Do & See The Roman City of Emona

Overview

The Roman City of Emona

The guide was updated: 2024-04-03

The Roman city of Emona (1st to 5th century) comprised a large portion of the present-day centre of Ljubljana. Today, enthusiasts can visit the well-preserved section of the southern city wall and two archaeological parks. Items from the Roman era are also exhibited at the City Museum of Ljubljana and the National Museum of Slovenia.

Useful Information

Website: www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/sights-and-activities/tours-and-trips/experiencing-the-roman-city-of-emona

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle

Perched atop a hill overlooking the city, the magnificent medieval fortress provides a glimpse into the past through its reconstructed castle spaces, including a museum collection of Slovene history, various art exhibitions, a coffee shop, and two superb restaurants. The lookout tower offers a breathtaking panorama of Ljubljana. The castle can be reached by funicular or by tourist train during the warmer months.

Plečnik’s Ljubljana

Plečnik’s Ljubljana

The creations of the famous architect Jože Plečnik (1872–1957) put a mark on three cities of Central Europe: Vienna, Prague, but most of all his beloved hometown of Ljubljana. It was Plečnik’s objective to breathe new life into Ljubljana by redesigning it into a comprehensive masterpiece. The most prominent landmarks include the Triple Bridge (Tromostovje), the Cobbler’s Bridge (Čevljarski most), the building of the National and the University library, the Križanke summer theatre, the Žale cemetery and others.

Dragon Bridge

Dragon Bridge

The magnificent statues of dragons, which are the symbol of Ljubljana, are one of the main attractions of the city. The Dragon Bridge was constructed between 1900 and 1901 and was dedicated to the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I. It is considered a masterpiece of Secession architecture. Also, when completed, it was one of the first reinforced concrete bridges of contemporary Europe.

Ljubljana Cathedral

Ljubljana Cathedral

St Nicholas’ Church, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ljubljana, was completed in its current form in 1701 on the foundations of an older church. The church built by the Jesuit architect Andrea Pozzo is adorned with frescoes by Giulio Quaglio and is considered one of the jewels of Baroque art. Also famous is its entrance door made in the 20th century. The carvings on the main door depict the history, while the postern doors are decorated with portraits of Slovene bishops and Jesus.

River Ljubljanica & Its Bridges

River Ljubljanica & Its Bridges

The old centre of Ljubljana is famous for the Ljubljanica, its romantic banks and wondrous bridges. Along the Ljubljanica, the banks of which were designed by Jože Plečnik, numerous small cafés are scattered where people mingle in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying the scenery. The best way to see the Ljubljanica is to book a trip on one of the tourist boats. Some even offer guided boat tours.

Prešeren Square

Prešeren Square

Prešeren Square is the centre of the old city centre of Ljubljana. Its image is distinctly marked by the recognisable red façade of the Franciscan church, the memorial dedicated to France Prešeren, the famous musician lending his name to the Square, and the well-known Triple Bridge by Jože Plečnik. Immediately nearby are the Tourist Information Centre and the Central Market.

National & University Library of Slovenia

National & University Library of Slovenia

The most important work of Jože Plečnik in Slovenia is the building of the National and University Library, which is still used for its original purpose. Constructed in 1941, this monumental building is celebrated as a unique fusion of the diverse cultures the architect admired. Modelled after Italian palaces, the building features a famous black staircase and decorative elements that evoke a sense of antiquity.

City Museum of Ljubljana

City Museum of Ljubljana

The City Museum of Ljubljana boasts an extensive and rich permanent collection illustrating the history of Ljubljana since prehistoric times until today. The museum’s basement exhibits the archaeological remains of the Roman road once leading through the present-day museum. The museum also manages two archaeological parks, exhibiting the remains of the Roman city of Emona.

National Museum of Slovenia

National Museum of Slovenia

The principal Slovene museum houses the most significant artefacts of Slovenia's historical heritage. It displays the world's oldest musical instrument (the 60,000-year-old Divje Babe Flute), remains of the pile dwelling culture from the Ljubljana Marshes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a lapidarium with Roman tombstones, and other important items spanning history.

National Gallery of Slovenia

National Gallery of Slovenia

The National Gallery of Slovenia, the main museum of the country's history, displays permanent collections featuring Slovene artists from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, along with works by European painters. The gallery also houses the original Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers (Robba Fountain), while a replica stands in front of the Town Hall.

Museum of Modern Art

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art showcases a permanent collection of 20th-century Slovene artists, alongside temporary exhibitions. Since 2010, a selection of its avant-garde art collection has been on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MSUM) at Metelkova.

Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (MSUM)

Museum of Contemporary Art Metelkova (MSUM)

The Museum of Contemporary Art exhibits avant-garde art, part of the Arteast 2000+ international collection, as well as artwork by Slovene artists belonging to the national collection. The Arteast 2000+ collection tells the tale of the overlooked and often censored creativity of artists from the then Eastern Bloc. Occasionally, the museum displays new exhibits, thus actively expanding its collection.

Ljubljana Zoo

Ljubljana Zoo

Ljubljana Zoo, nestled in the pristine natural surroundings of Tivoli Park, Rožnik, and Šišenski hrib, is home to both native and exotic animals. The zoo is home to over 100 animal species and offers a variety of interactive experiences, enabling visitors to have direct contact with the animals.

Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park is the green heart of Ljubljana. It lies on the edge of the city and gradually rises towards Rožnik, which is criss-crossed by numerous recreational paths. The park offers more than just walks. Within Tivoli Park, two of Ljubljana's major museums are housed in former mansions, alongside a popular outdoor exhibition space, a picturesque pond with a café, and a plant nursery featuring a permanent exhibition of tropical plants.

The Roman City of Emona

The Roman City of Emona

The Roman city of Emona (1st to 5th century) comprised a large portion of the present-day centre of Ljubljana. Today, enthusiasts can visit the well-preserved section of the southern city wall and two archaeological parks. Items from the Roman era are also exhibited at the City Museum of Ljubljana and the National Museum of Slovenia.

Slovene Ethnographic Museum

Slovene Ethnographic Museum

The Slovene Ethnographic Museum deals with preserving cultural and natural history collections. It exhibits items both from Slovene as well as international ethnological heritages. The museum’s mission is to showcase the lives of our ancestors from different periods in time.

International Centre of Graphic Arts

International Centre of Graphic Arts

One of the principal museums and exhibitions of art in Ljubljana is dedicated to graphic arts. It displays an extensive collective of graphics and modern works of art. The Museum also hosts the International Biennial of Graphic Arts, one of the most acclaimed graphic events worldwide, first organised in 1955.

Town Square & Town Hall

Town Square & Town Hall

The Town Square, once the heart of medieval Ljubljana, is today renowned for the Town Hall and the Robba Fountain (the Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers), erected between 1743 and 1751 by the Baroque artist Francesco Robba. The Town Hall, built in the late 15th century, has largely retained its Baroque appearance. Regular guided tours of the Town Hall are available.

Ljubljana Botanical Garden

Ljubljana Botanical Garden

One of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe is not particularly large, but is still home to a myriad of various plant species from around the world. Its tropical glasshouse hosts more than 380 flowering species from tropical rainforests.

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