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Discover the monumental legacy of Jože Plečnik

The most important Slovenian architect with an international career and an incredible and unique language transformed the image of Slovenia's capital city.

The man with the renowned architectural signature

Jože Plečnik, who worked in Vienna, Prague, and Ljubljana from the late 19th century and all the way until the 1950s, left his greatest mark on Ljubljana. He managed to realise his vision to transform a once sleepy little town within the Hapsburg monarchy into the true capital city of Slovenia. Through daring architectural and urban planning projects, he transformed it into a comprehensive piece of art, while keeping in line with the local spirit despite his own excitement over Antiquity. You can also admire his works of art in other places in Slovenia.

Public fame, work in public, it's all nothing! Only at work, where a person feels the wings of eternity for a moment, does he get something that no one can take away from him any more – this is why art is such a terribly beautiful thing.

Jože Plečnik, Slovenian architect

Get to know the architectural genius

Who was Jože Plečnik? Get to know how his career path started, who influenced the development of the exceptional talent and creativity that he used in designing his architectural works, and why his masterpieces have found their place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

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Walk around Plečnik’s Ljubljana  

The most important Slovenian architect was the student of the famous Otto Wagner, in whose atelier he worked. After a number of decades of working in Vienna and Prague, he returned to Ljubljana, where he created projects that still draw admiration. Through his non-conformist approach that did not blindly follow existing trends he ensured that his works are timeless and that they continue to draw admiration and cause lively debate at the same time.

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Križanke

As you explore the legacy of this great architect, do not miss the former monastery of the Teutonic Order, the beginnings of which date back to the 13th century. The former Križanke monastery was redesigned by Jože Plečnik into a unique venue for eve

Triglav Insurance Company Palace

Plečnik also designed some of Ljubljana’s palaces, such as today’s dual façade of the Triglav Insurance Company Palace, in which JB Restaurant is located, one of the world's 100 best restaurants.

Plečnik House

You can learn a lot about the architect Jože Plečnik's life and work by visiting his home, where his belongings, authentic atmosphere and project plans have been preserved.

Cemetery Žale

In his desire to make this a memorial garden for the deceased, Plečnik created a unique arch and behind it chapels of rest in different styles, as a symbol of everyone being equal before death.

Church of St. Michael

The inventive church of St. Michael is an excellent example of adapting to the local culture and materials. It stands out for its pile foundations, owing to its construction on marshy soil.

Church of St. Francis

The theme of light and divinity also appears in Plečnik’s sacred works, among which the Church of St Francis, which was designed as a temple with a cylindrical belfry, stand out the most.

National and University Library

One of his most important works is the National and University Library, which was designed as a temple of erudition. It stands out due to its imposing façade with interspersed rough stones and a mighty staircase in the building’s interior leading tow

The Three Bridges

The old medieval city centre and the new city centre are linked by the Three Bridges, Ljubljana’s architectural treat, with which Plečnik wanted among other things to revive the river banks.

Central Market

One of the more complex projects in Ljubljana's public space is the Main Marketplace by the River Ljubljanica. The Marketplace has two levels, semi-circular windows, and pillars, which make it mighty in appearance, and they also hark back to ancient

Master Plečnik

The famous architect Jože Plečnik put Ljubljana on the pedestal of modern European capitals with his masterpieces. If you take a walk through Plečnik's Ljubljana with the master himself, you will also be able to discover the many visionary ideas that Plečnik was unable to realise. The walk and stops at points that marked Plečnik's life will also reveal interesting facts and anecdotes about the Slovenian architectural grandmaster.

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Feel Slovenia the Podcast: Jože Plečnik: Slovenia’s Architectural Shining Star

Perhaps you didn’t know ...

The visionary architect was a loner and eccentric of sorts, who gained an important place in Slovenian cultural history. Here are some interesting facts about him

Jože Plečnik was depicted on the former 500 tolar banknote.

Although Plečnik was a loner, he had a loyal companion in Sivko, a West Highland White Terrier.

Plečnik enjoyed the small things in life, with coffee being one of them.

Plečnik was critical of his oeuvre and aware of its ephemerality. This is evidenced by the inscription opposite the entrance to the Križanke complex: "You are ephemeral, only your works are your memory."

Explore Slovenia with the help of Plečnik’s works of art

Head to different parts of Slovenia and, in addition to the natural beauty spots and the culinary offerings, explore Plečnik’s legacy too. 

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Church in Bogojina

Church in Bogojina

The church of the Ascension of Our Lord is a mixture of influences of ancient architecture and conservation, as Plečnik preserved the elements of its predecessor from the 14th century and folk art. This church encapsulates the essence of Plečnik’s architecture...

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Plečnik’s Arcades in Kranj

Plečnik’s Arcades in Kranj

When you walk through Kranj Old Town you will come across a staircase, a well and arcades designed by Plečnik for a monumental entrance to the city. Plečnik’s architecture and design can also be found in the Prešeren Theatre.

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Belvedere Pavilion in Bled

Belvedere Pavilion in Bled

The pavilion next to Vila Bled Plečnik was designed as a “waiting room” for audiences to Alexander, King of Yugoslavia. Later on, Tito, the President of Yugoslavia, also received his high guests there. Today, Pavilion is a cafeteria with a wonderful...

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Mary of the Snows Chapel on Mt Krvavec

Mary of the Snows Chapel on Mt Krvavec

Chapel is Plečnik’s highest located work, built at 1700 m above sea level. In addition to worship held on the first Sunday following the Assumption, a blessing and a fair, offering a variety of home-made specialities, are arranged.

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Church of Saint Mary’s Call

Church of Saint Mary’s Call

In the Tolmin area, you can visit the Church of Saint Mary’s Call, which the architect creatively adapted from its Baroque predecessor.

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Plečnik Park Begunje

Plečnik Park Begunje

In Begunje na Gorenjskem, Plečnik developed a manor house park. His signature style is most noticeable in the viewpoint pavilion with the Chapel of St. Joseph. The park is part of a path through Begunje na Gorenjskem called Vaška Pot.

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People's Loan Bank in Celje

People's Loan Bank in Celje

Plečnik is also present in Celje. He designed the building of Ljudska Posojilnica (People's Savings Bank), which today houses the Banka Celje bank.

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Hunting lodge in Kamniška Bistrica

Hunting lodge in Kamniška Bistrica

In Kamniška Bistrica, you can see a hunting lodge that Jože Plečnik designed for Aleksandar Karađorđević, the King of Yugoslavia.

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Design of Slomšek Square in Maribor

Design of Slomšek Square in Maribor

Jože Plečnik designed the oval platform of Slomšek Square in Maribor with stone pillars and pyramidal oaks. The square was developed 30 years later under this plan by architect Brako Kocmut.

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