Da se poseti Slovenija vo maj znaci da se disi maksimalno od zeleniloto na proletta, da se vkusi mirisot na alpite i da se oseti bliskosta na mediteranot. Da se pocuvstvuva bar malku deka na pragot na novata Evropa, negde na granicite na zavrsuvanjeto na Balkanot, se podiga i noviot stolb bariera prema orientot, kako da se saka da se naglasi taa pusta granica na zavrsuvanjeto na istokot i pocetokot na poinakviot zapad. No na ovoj blog nema mesto za politika pa zatoa se posvetuvam na mirot, na redot, na cistotata i ednostavnosta na ziveenjeto sto go zateknav vo ovie majski denovi. Letoto pomina pa vreme bese i da preraskazam i del od edno novo patesestvie. Enjoy dear reader!!!
Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a dynamic Central European city lying at an altitude of 298 m above sea level in a broad basin between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. It covers a surface area of 275 km2 and has a population of 276,000. Its climate is continental, with an average temperature of 3,4˚ C in January and 21,9˚ C in July.
Ljubljana’s geographical position has governed its colourful past, since it is situated on a natural passage leading from Central Europe to the Mediterranean and toward the East called the “Ljubljana Gate.” It is not by pure coincidence that trade routes and waves of migration have passed through it since centuries. From the times of the first settlers right down to the present day, the transit character of this area has stimulated the constant growth of economic and cultural ties with other cities and nations.
From its very beginnings, Ljubljana’s culture and lifestyle has been attuned to contemporary currents in Europe, while both the Central European and the Mediterranean spirit have influenced the temperament of its residents.
Ljubljana’s economy has always been quite heterogeneous, enabling it to adapt rapidly to the ever-changing environment of the world economy. Ljubljana produces about 25% of Slovenia’s Gross Domestic Product and has maintained a constant orientation toward long-term international business co-operation. An increasingly comprehensive, high-quality tourist and catering sector have complemented this process on one side and well-developed commercial activities on the other.
At present, the level of active working population is 62% and out of the total employed, 50% are women, 64% work in the economic sector and 36% in the public sector (according to the statistics for the year 2003). Industry is still the most important employer in the city (pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food-processing), and Ljubljana’s industrial companies are among the major Slovene exporters. Retailing, financial and other business services, transport and communication, construction, skilled trades and services, and tourism and catering follow industry. In the public sector, employment is found in the fields of education and culture, followed by health care and social security, social organisations, and local administration.
Ljubljana is certainly a city with a high quality of life. It is a city of greenery, its very centre occupied by parks and forests, and it also represents an ideal departure point for the discovery of all the variety Slovenia has to offer. The unique Karst region, the Adriatic coast, the mountains, the hilly wine-growing regions, the spas, and many historic towns are all within a two-hour drive.
Ljubljana’s appearance and flair has charmed many visitors. The traveller will find here a unique combination of a tranquil capital city bubbling with the spiritual energy of the nation.
Beginnings
Important strategic Ljubljana's gates where permanently inhabited from younger Stone Age onwards. Highly developed was Neolithic and marsh dwellers culture.
Artefacts from this era can be found in museums only
Roman era
Roman settlement called Emona was established when Julius Cezar expanded his empire towards the East. At the beginning Emona was military settlement upgraded to civilian city in 14 AD by Tiberius. The city had rectangular ground plan 540 x 430 meters in dimension. Surrounded by 6 to 8 meters high and 2,5 meters wide city walls interrupted every 60 meters with 26 watch out towers. Emona was classical Roman town, streets where oriented in N-S and W-E axis, city had four gates. Severe and central heating systems were highly developed. Emona was destroyed in 6th century. A lot from this era can be seen in Ljubljana. Emona lied on the left side of Ljubljanica River, under the city centre. Some part of the wall was rebuilt, and there are quite a few places where Emona can still be seen today.
Medival Ljubljana
Ljubljana was first mentioned in 1144 when the city began to grow. In 1335 Habsburgh (Austrians) took control over the city and kept it until First World War. The oldest part of town is Stari trg, followed by Mestni trg and Novi trg. Six gated lead to the city where craftsmanshift and trade flourished.
Not much from this period is preserved. Only urban design of the city has not been changed since this period.
from 16th to 18th century
Protestantism develops in that era in Ljubljana. First book in Slovene language is published in 1550. After the first bigger earthquake in 1511 Ljubljana is rebuilt in baroque manner. New building are being built; like libraries, city hall, ... City wall is knock down, and Ljubljana expands.
Most of the old city is from this era.
19th century
In 1809 French (Napoleon) comes to Ljubljana and makes it capital of Ilirske province (extending from Tirol on the north to Dalmatia with Dubrovnik in the South). Slovene language becomes official language, first college is formed, and first parks are planned and built. When Austrians returns development in Ljubljana is stopped. In 1849 Railway reaches Ljubljana, city start to grow in the area between old town and new railway station.
Most of Ljubljana's parks are from this era
After major earthquake in 1895
Earthquake destroys much of the city. Under the guidance of mayor Hribar and with found for reconstruction Ljubljana receives new image. A lot new infrastructure is built.
Most of the old centre has not been changed after the post earthquake reconstruction
After the First World War
Austrians leave Slovenia. Ljubljana becomes part of Yugoslavia and becomes important political and education centre which enjoys prosperity. University is founded, National library, National Gallery and many other important buildings are erected. The Neboticnik (skyscraper) built in that time is 9th tallest building in Europe and the tallest in Balkan. Witch is quite an achievement for small Ljubljana. Architect Plecnik starts to work in Ljubljana and leaves strong mark on Ljubljana.
After Second world war Ljubljana is expanding at very fast rate.
Some of greater architecture is from that era.
26th June 1991
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