Bridges in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Dragon Bridge and Triple Bridge in Slovenia's Capital
Ljubljana's Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge are spans you're sure to cross when enjoying Slovenia's pretty capital. Just beware of monsters!
Ljubljana, lively capital of Slovenia, might lack a seaside view or a world-famous monument, but as the hub of one of the wealthiest Eastern European nations, a visit won't disappoint. For a city with only 270,000 inhabitants, its Old Town center is surprisingly rich in atmosphere, looked down upon by often snow-tipped mountains and the statuesque Ljubljana Castle, and running as it does along both sides of the Ljubljanica River.
Ljubljana's Bridges
And what does a town with a river through its middle really need? Bridges, and plenty of them. You shouldn't then be surprised to find the Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) directly south of the business center of the city, and a short walk north from the delights of the Old Town. It started life in 1842 as an ordinary single span bridge, but Ljubljana's most famous architect decided to triple capacity by adding another span to each side in 1931.
But the most photographed bridge in Ljubljana is a few minutes' walk further away from the Old Town. The Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most) dates from 1901 when Slovenia belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and was in fact named "The Jubilee Bridge of Emperor Franz Josef I". Political boundaries have changed, and the original name has been almost forgotten, but the dragons have remained: four fierce, sharp-clawed dragons, featuring in the holiday snaps of more and more tourists. The dragon is the official symbol of Ljubljana, and arises from a tale involving Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts) slaying the monsterous Ljubljana dragon. Although the bridge dragons are made of copper, standing near them still felt a little unsettling to me.
Beyond Ljubljana's Bridges
Of course, walking a circuit of river crossings is not all there is to do in Ljubljana. From the Castle to the Roman wall ruins, through a central fruit, vegetable and anything-you-can-imagine market, to more than one art gallery worth a visit, Ljubljana may lack the fame and bustle of more well-known capitals like Prague, but still has its own special charm.
More information: Try the Slovenian Tourist Board for details on accommodation, getting there and further attractions.
