Slovenian towns first received their urban appearance two millennia ago as the ancient Romans arrived. In medieval times, these towns spread and changed, and much evidence of this can still be found if you explore the old town centres. Technical innovations enabled the construction of the Ljubljana Nebotičnik which was the tallest building in Central Europe in 1933. After World War II, public spaces were transformed by numerous modern buildings, new settlements and towns, and the 21st century brought about architectural forms that sometimes dominate the function.
The sights of mighty castles and manor houses will enchant every traveller exploring Slovenia. Some of them keep watch over the towns while others stand in solitary splendour on the top of green hills. You may be fascinated by the oldest Slovenian castle rising over the picturesque alpine lake or by the largest cave castle in the world. Some castles have even been converted into comfortable hotels where you can stay overnight. Many castles are only evidenced by their ruins, further unleashing people’s imagination.
Stroll through old historical towns and discover the traces of the past from ancient times and the Middle Ages to the middle-class architecture of the 19th century. Ancient streets and squares, impressive medieval buildings, castles and city walls inspire the imagination of every visitor. The charm of old town houses repurposed into museums, galleries, boutique shops and hotels is always appealing.
There is almost no village or hill in Slovenia that does not have a church or at least a chapel. Some hide special stories and treasures well worth uncovering. The monasteries of Slovenia keep their own secrets. In Slovenia, you can also find the tomb of the last King of France and the third oldest pharmacy in Europe.
Take on the role of explorer and discover the amazing stories behind the churches and monasteries that will impress you with their architecture or paintings, or with the mysteries hidden behind their walls. Today, some of the former monastery buildings have been repurposed into galleries, museums and centres of vibrant cultural events.
Are you fascinated more by ancient buildings than by modern architectural masterpieces? Excellent Slovenian architects have left their mark on Slovenia and beyond. Take your time strolling through the streets of Ljubljana to learn about the masterpieces of Jože Plečnik, the incredible works of Maks Fabiani who was the personal adviser to the Austro-Hungarian crown prince Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the prominent architectural names of the post-war era and contemporary architectural achievements.
Every Slovenian landscape features its own peculiarities of folk architecture, which you can find in preserved old houses and homesteads, mostly repurposed into museums, or in heritage-protected villages. Learn about hayracks, a special feature of Slovenia, and visit a unique herdsmen’s settlement.
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Explore the residential and spatial culture of modern Slovenia, which has been significantly characterised by the dominant styles of the past.
View @FeelSlovenia on Instagram and show the world what you feel about the Slovenian architectural heritage by posting photos and videos with hashtags #ifeelsLOVEnia & #myway.
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