Kongresni trg (Congress Square), Ljubljana

Jo啪e Ple膷nik's influence on Ljubljana's cityscape is often seen as a mix of sensitivity and boldness, and he certainly embodied both traits. He took the lead in reshaping squares, fearlessly relocating monuments and reimagining facades. One of his major undertakings was the transformation of Congress Square and the nearby Star Park ("Park Zvezda"), aiming to create a grand focal point for the city. Ple膷nik laid a grid of light concrete slabs bordered in black, repositioned the Trinity Column to align with the Ursuline Church and the Philharmonic Building, and enhanced it with a row of lamps. This not only heightened the church's prominence but also introduced a new staircase in front of its main entrance. In Star Park, he replaced chestnut trees with plane trees, narrowed pathways, and installed a new fountain. The true impact of his changes can be fully appreciated with aerial or historical photographs.

Originally used for ceremonies during the post-Napoleonic Congress of Ljubljana, the square has been a witness to many pivotal events throughout history. It was here that independence from Austria-Hungarian rule was proclaimed on October 29, 1918, leading to the establishment of the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs. Yugoslav Communist leader Josip Tito delivered a speech facing the square in 1945. A demonstration held here in June 1988 played a part in Slovenia's eventual independence three years later. Even U.S. President Bill Clinton visited Congress Square in 1999. Additionally, there is a memorial site commemorating a significant historical event 鈥� namely, an anchor atop a pedestal marking the annexation of the Slovenian coastal region to Yugoslavia in 1954.

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Sight Name: Kongresni trg (Congress Square)
Sight Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia (See walking tours in Ljubljana)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Ljubljana Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Create Your Own Walk in Ljubljana

Creating your own self-guided walk in Ljubljana is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Ljubljana Introduction Walking Tour

Ljubljana is the capital and the heart of Slovenia. Being the country's cultural and political center, it is also Slovenia's largest city and has a long, storied past.

The exact origin of its name is not clear. Some linguists suggest that it may be rooted in "Ljubija," the original name of the Ljubljanica River derived from the Old Slavic male name "Ljubovid,"... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Historic Buildings Walking Tour

The Slovenian capital has no shortage of historical buildings. The architectural wealth of Ljubljana accumulated over the years received a significant boost in the early 20th century thanks to the famous Slovenian architect, Joze Plecnik, a classicist, who tried to model the city on ancient Athens.

Among the notable local landmarks is the Ljubljana Central Pharmacy, a testament to the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

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