Zmajski most (Dragon Bridge), Ljubljana (must see)
Built at the outset of the 20th century as part of a broader urban renewal initiative during Ljubljana's time under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Dragon Bridge is now recognized as a technical marvel, serving as one of the prime exemplars of reinforced concrete bridges. Scholars suggest that the adoption of new technologies like reinforced concrete and innovative static calculations in Ljubljana, instead of Vienna, was due to the relatively minor consequences should they have failed.
The bridge is also hailed as one of the most aesthetically pleasing creations of the Vienna Secession movement; moreover, it was the first such structure in Slovenia to be paved with asphalt and had the third-largest arch in Europe upon completion. The stylistic elements were conceived by Jurij Zaninovi膰, who envisioned the concrete cladding, the balustrades, and the sheet-copper dragon statues, now iconic symbols of the city, standing atop pedestals at each of the bridge's four corners (alongside sixteen smaller dragon statues).
Legend has it that Jason, of Argonauts fame, founded Ljubljana, and he and his crew slew a dragon in the area. Some locals humorously refer to the structure as the "mother-in-law" due to its perceived fiery nature.
The bridge is also hailed as one of the most aesthetically pleasing creations of the Vienna Secession movement; moreover, it was the first such structure in Slovenia to be paved with asphalt and had the third-largest arch in Europe upon completion. The stylistic elements were conceived by Jurij Zaninovi膰, who envisioned the concrete cladding, the balustrades, and the sheet-copper dragon statues, now iconic symbols of the city, standing atop pedestals at each of the bridge's four corners (alongside sixteen smaller dragon statues).
Legend has it that Jason, of Argonauts fame, founded Ljubljana, and he and his crew slew a dragon in the area. Some locals humorously refer to the structure as the "mother-in-law" due to its perceived fiery nature.
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Zmajski most (Dragon Bridge) on Map
Sight Name: Zmajski most (Dragon Bridge)
Sight Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia (See walking tours in Ljubljana)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia (See walking tours in Ljubljana)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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.
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
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
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
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