Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Ljubljana's funicular tram



Here is a view from Ljubljana's new funicular tram, which went into operation at the end of 2006 and has proven to be a hit with tourists and locals alike. The cost for a one-way ticket on the tram, which connects the main city marketplace to the Ljubljana Castle, is 2 euro.

"The idea of building a funicular leading to the castle was first considered at the end of the 19th century by the then mayor of Ljubljana, Ivan Hribar. In his letter to the Austro-Hungarian authorities he wrote: 'As the rooms [of Ljubljana Castle] offer an enchanting view, and the castle's shady courtyard could easily be put to a good use, the castle would – if a lift was built and a fare of ten kreutzers or less was charged for a ride to the top – always be well visited, particularly so on summer evenings.' Mayor Hribar's vision, dating back to 1897, will this year turn to reality."
Via Ljubljana Life Magazine

Slovenian Day of Culture

Slovenia's Day of Culture will take place on February 8, and admission to most of Ljubljana's public museums and galleries will be free. "The Slovenian Day of Culture is a public holiday commemorating the death anniversary of France Prešeren, the greatest Slovenian poet. France Prešeren (1800-1849) was a Romantic poet who made a name for himself also for his endeavours to modernize the Slovenian language. He is particularly renowned for his sonnets."
Via Ljubljana.si

Plečnik Year in Slovenia

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of the Slovenia's most famous architect Jože Plečnik. In addition to the opening of a special exhibit in the National Gallery "Plečnik Year will also be marked by numerous other events held in Ljubljana. The Architecture Museum of Ljubljana has currently been re-staging its permanent Plečnik exhibition. To further mark Plečnik Year, it will run a series of lectures and expert guided tours of Plečnik's Ljubljana. The tours, available free of charge, will be run every first Saturday of the month, each time drawing special attention to a different masterpiece of Plečnik's."
Via Ljubljana.si