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.

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. 

Come and take a cultural stroll through Slovenia

Take a stroll through Ljubljana and other Slovenian towns and cities and explore architectural and other incredible creations by Slovenian architects and artists. Explore UNESCO heritage and the iconic images of Slovenia.  

Culture

Slovenia boasts a rich cultural tradition.

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Architectural sights

Discover Slovenia's greatest architectural treasures.

Architectural sights

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Iconic attractions

The images of Slovenia that will leave a lasting impression.

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UNESCO World Heritage

Slovenian treasure troves of world heritage

UNESCO World Heritage

UNESCO World Heritage

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Ljubljana

Ljubljana. Vibrant. Lively. A city that combines the charm of a small capital and the confidence of big European cities.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana

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Famous personalities

The stories of exceptional Slovenians who made world history.

Famous personalities

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