The allure of Slovenian cities and towns lies in their ability to evoke a sense of humanity and freedom in visitors. You can literally walk their length and breadth. Wherever you go, you will find a sense of ease away from overwhelming stimuli and free to navigate in your own way among your chosen favourites.
Slovenian cities and towns are like an exhibit showcasing historical and architectural eras. Jože Plečnik, Slovenia's greatest architect and a master of European modernism, advocated the concept of personalised cities, envisioning a landscape where a library, university, market, park and stadium were all within walking distance. Slovenian urban centres are spacious and safe living rooms. Ljubljana, designed by architect Jože Plečnik, with its UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmarks, is one of Europe's most integrated architectural masterpieces of the 20th century.
Though surrounded at every turn by world-class architecture and art, we are not tourists who just tick off the "must-see" list in various guidebooks. We are sooner curious visitors, mingling with the locals in the streets and squares as we stroll among the attractions. We do not have to stand in long queues to get our chance to see the sites. There is plenty of time and opportunity for an authentic experience. We can appreciate art, architecture and artists in a very personal way. From the front row, up close, face to face.
When you are looking for company, just take a look at the calendar of events and follow your inspiration. The capital of Ljubljana, Maribor with the oldest grapevine in the world, Nova Gorica as the European Capital of Culture 2025 and the cluster of historic towns are all destinations where we can relax and unwind. Lively festivals (some of them renowned throughout Europe and unique on a global scale), a network of vibrant galleries and museums, unusual concert venues and stages, to mention but a few, offer opportunities to attend top-notch artistic performances or concerts while strolling through Slovenian town squares in the evening. Slovenian cities are places bursting with urban creativity where street art meets masterful sculptures and guerrilla light installations keep Plečnik’s street lamps company.
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Slovenia's special charm lies in its ability to combine three different experiences in one day. We start the day with breakfast and coffee in the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Then we escape to a hilltop with panoramic views of the Alps, the sea, or even both. At the end of the day, we return to the city for an evening festival, concert or theatre performance.
Let's pack all the contrasts possible into one day! We seamlessly blend urban scenes, solitude in nature and cultural encounters into a dynamic trio that creates memorable experiences. In Slovenia, it's true that what seems incompatible at first glance can harmonise remarkably well. And that's exactly what we need to break free from our routine and get away from it all. In Slovenian towns, we straddle the line between bustling city centres and the tranquil countryside. Throughout the day, we move effortlessly between cycling jerseys, jeans, evening gowns, hiking boots and high heels. This is the best way to nourish our bodies, minds and spirits.
CREATE YOUR OWN TRIANGLE OF HAPPINESS,
Each region and nearly every town has a special dish of its own. Bistros, restaurants and taverns offer dishes that blend ancestral traditions with the creativity of modern culinary trends. Fresh local produce and products can be tasted and bought daily at markets in cities and towns, freshly baked delicacies at boutique bakeries, and milk from nearby farms can be purchased at milk vending machines, an attraction in and of themselves. Streets and squares are often transformed into open-air restaurants – the popular Open Kitchen in Ljubljana is a Friday tradition, and similar get-togethers over food and drink also liven up other towns.
When you need a rest, there is always a welcoming place to sit down; when you are thirsty, there is refreshing water from the fountains to quench your thirst. When we need silence, silence is just a few steps away. Footpaths and cycle lanes lead to residential areas with sports fields and children's playgrounds, parks (virgin)forests and mountains.
About parks. We like to say that Slovenian cities and towns are green. And they really are, in every sense. In Ljubljana, the city park Tivoli, with its pond and many places to sit, meets the Rožnik and Šiška hills (together they form a landscape park). In the city centre, a quick walk up castle hill offers the most beautiful views, and not far away are walking trails on Golovec and Šmarna Gora hills. Other towns are also closely linked to their parks and forests. Maribor at the foot of the green Pohorje Mountains, Novo Mesto with its green groves along the banks of the Krka river, Nova Gorica with its sports fields and Rafut Park to mention but a few.
In Slovenia, rivers and towns intertwine effortlessly. The Ljubljanica, the river of seven names, meanders through Ljubljana and under its bridges. Before the wide Drava reaches Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town, it makes a splendid backdrop to the Lent Festival in Maribor. Deep in a gorge beneath the old town of Kranj, the Kokra gurgles along. The Savinja has been witness to the turbulent history of Celje. Mighty castles and small, but no less culturally rich, towns adorn the banks of the Sava river.
Slovenian cities and towns are sustainable and often serve as examples of good practice for other European urban areas. Public transport, pedestrian zones and cycle lanes invite us to explore cities slowly, at our own pace, away from the traffic noise. Many towns follow sustainable principles and are proud members of the Slovenia Green family.
Once you have discovered the three foundations of joyful living, the possibilities for exploring cities and towns are truly endless. The distances between Slovenian cities or towns are short, and you can travel between them by train or bus. Discover what Slovenian culture and art have to offer.
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