Attractions

Ljubljana

The history of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, dates back to the Roman Emona period (14 BC); the walls and foundations of two Roman villas from this period have survived to this day. The city itself stretches along the banks of the Ljubljanica. In the old town is the town hall (built at the end of the 15th century, redesigned in 1718). The Baroque fountain (1751) in front of the entrance is by Francesco Robba and depicts allegorical sculptures of the three nearby rivers: Sava, Krka and Ljubljanica. The two-towered Romanesque Stolnica Cathedral with its magnificent frescoes is also worth a visit, parts of the church date back to the 12th century. Behind the cathedral is the market square. Here lies the famous “Dragon Bridge”, Zmajski most, whose dragon has been the coat of arms of Ljubljana for centuries. On the opposite side of the market is the Tromostovje Bridge. The castle is located on a hill, from the tower of which there is a beautiful view of the entire city. On the east bank of the river is the city museum with its important Roman collection. In the university quarter is the Ursuline Church (1726), the best example of baroque in Ljubljana. The National Museum, the Opera, the National Gallery, the Municipal Gallery and the House of Modern Art with the Tivoli Gardens are other tourist attractions. On the east bank of the river is the city museum with its important Roman collection. In the university quarter is the Ursuline Church (1726), the best example of baroque in Ljubljana. The National Museum, the Opera, the National Gallery, the Municipal Gallery and the House of Modern Art with the Tivoli Gardens are other tourist attractions. On the east bank of the river is the city museum with its important Roman collection. In the university quarter is the Ursuline Church (1726), the best example of baroque in Ljubljana. The National Museum, the Opera, the National Gallery, the Municipal Gallery and the House of Modern Art with the Tivoli Gardens are other tourist attractions.

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Maribor

The second largest Slovenian city, Maribor, stretches along the Drava River. In 2012 Maribor was European Capital of Culture. Ornate baroque buildings bear witness to the long history of the university town. The district of Lent is particularly attractive. Here you can admire the oldest vine in Europe (400 years old), which still produces 60 liters of good wine every year. Maribor once had three castles, of which only one (15th century) has survived today. It houses an interesting regional museum. The landmark of the old town is the magnificent plague column (1743) on the main square.

Nightlife

Introduction

The country’s larger cities offer a good selection of theatres, cinemas and nightclubs, which are particularly busy at weekends. Some nightclubs and discotheques require an entrance fee, which often includes a drink. Many cities also have smaller amateur theaters and choirs. Ljubljana is considered the cultural capital of the country. The city’s large student population gives the pubs and nightclubs a cosmopolitan feel. A special place is the Metelkova (Internet: www.metelkovamesto.org); the autonomous center, which enjoys an international reputation as a forum for street art and youth culture, is located on a former barracks site of the Yugoslav People’s Army. The original occupied buildings are now home to numerous pubs and nightclubs, where concerts and other events are often held. In Ljubljana there is also a varied cultural entertainment program. Ballet performances can also be seen in the local opera house, and concerts by the symphony orchestra are regularly held in the large hall of the Culture and Congress Center. Maribor is the second largest university city in Slovenia after Ljubljana and as such also has a lively nightlife to offer. Along the coast, the holiday resort of Portoroz is particularly popular with night owls, where the Istrian carnival is celebrated every year. After drinking alcohol, it is advisable to leave the car at home and go home on foot or by taxi.

Regional drinks

Some excellent wines are grown in the country’s three wine-growing regions, Primorje, Posavje and Podravje. Riesling and rosé wines are recommended. The brands Teran (Karst region) and Cvitschek (Dolenjska), which are only produced in Slovenia, are well known. Good fruit brandy is also brewed, the slivovitz made from plums is well known.

Minimum age for consumption of alcoholic beverages

In Slovenia you can drink alcohol from the age of 18.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotel Classification: Hotels are classified into the Hotelstars Union star categories from one to five stars.

Camping

There are campsites all over the country. Most are on the small side but are well equipped with sports facilities and children’s playgrounds.

Other accommodation options

The youth hostel in Ljubljana is open from the end of June to the end of August, address: Vidovdanska 7, SI-1000 Ljubljana. Tel: (01) 234 88 40. Fax: (01) 234 88 55. Another youth hostel is in Maribor. Information is available from Pocitniska Zveza Slovenije (Slovenian Youth Hostel Association), Gosposvetska 84, SI-2000 Maribor. Tel: (02) 234 21 37. More than 230 farms offer this type of holiday close to nature. For more information, contact the Association of Tourist Farms of Slovenia, Trnoveljska 1, SI-1000 Celje. Phone: 63 415 212.