When the weekend comes, many of us would like to travel somewhere and relax, at least for those two or three days...
The choice of destination and the location is great, although generally attractive are the ones which are remote, exotic and mystical. However, in our neighborhood there is one country that is perfect for weekend breaks and that really has a lot to offer. If you thought that talking about Slovenia, you were right.
This small country often goes unnoticed because of its popular neighbors such as Switzerland, Germany, France and Italy, but it is a big mistake. Its nature is equally rich and beautiful, if not more than that. It is this neglect of tourists, that gave Slovenia a chance to retain its natural beauty as pristine and magical it is.
Many places in Slovenia can be ideal for a great vacation a couple of days. From the mountains and spas, to the cities and national parks. This time, we present you our favorites.
Ljubljana (Laibach) is the capital of the Republic of Slovenia. It is located in the central part of Slovenia, in Ljubljana basin, and it lays on the river Ljubljanica, hence the name. It is a city with a rich and long history, in which you can still see traces of the Habsburg rule. Of course, like every capital, it is the cultural and economic center of the country, and because of its magic and style mixed architectures, it introduces visitors to the world of the past. Main attraction of Ljubljana is the square Preshern. It is dedicated to the greatest Slovenian poet France Presheren, whose statue stands in the middle of the square, surrounded by beautiful architectural buildings from the early twentieth century. If you want to get to know the culture of the city, this place is ideal start adventures. Robba Fountain (Fontana three rivers) is the most famous fountain in Ljubljana. It is made of marble, and it is the work of the sculptor Vrancheska Robe from 1751. Dragon’s bridge is one of the biggest attractions of Ljubljana. Four green dragons standing proudly on both sides of the bridge. This is a bridge with a long history, and it is linked to the legend of the Virgin. Of course, in this town there are a number of cafes, restaurants and hotels, and the offer is very diverse, so we are sure you will find what suits you best.
Ptuj is a city in the east of Slovenia, in the province of Styria. This is one of the most important urban centers in the country. Ptuj is one of the oldest settlements in this part of Europe. The first information about it dates back to ancient times, in the year 69, although we can safely say that the place was inhabited even deeper into the past. Status of the city Ptuj carries since 1376, and during the long history it had changed the owners several times. As Ljubljana, Ptuj is also a city rich in history, so abundant in cultural - historical monuments. Ptuj Castle roots in ancient times and was built during the eleventh century. Inside the castle is a museum with a collection of feudal residential culture from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, the most notable are the traditional carnival masks. Orpheus monument is almost five feet tall tombstone. This is the greatest symbol of Ptuj, and is also the largest monument ever found in the territory of the Roman province of Upper Pannonia. Carnival is an annual traditional event, after which the Ptuj gained an international reputation. This is the biggest carnival in Slovenia, and is also known for its traditional carnival masks worn during the event.
Triglav National Park is one of the main features of Slovenia and is on the state crest and flag. Top of Triglav is the highest peak of the Julian Alps, with a height of 2,864 meters. This is the only Slovenian national park, where the origin of its name is still mystical and it is associated with Slavic mythology. It abounds in various species of flora and fauna and is a very important element of European ecosystems. The main tourist attraction in the park is climbing up the mountain, which does not demand great mountaineering experience. From the foot of the mountain where there is a camp, to the top, climbing takes about one day. The main feature is the famous Triglav Zlatorog or chamois golden horn, without which visit the mountain is not complete. In Triglav you have the possibility of skiing and rafting, which is ideal for adrenaline junkies.
Bled is a town in northwestern Slovenia in the Gorenjska region. Bled settlement existed in prehistoric times, and throughout history Bled has repeatedly changed its masters. It got status of the city in 1960. Bled is best known for the famous Lake Bled, one of the most important tourist destinations in Slovenia. The lake of glacial origin surrounds a small island, where there is a church of the Assumption of Mary. The original church was built in 1142, and was re-built in the middle of the fifteenth century. Although primarily a Gothic, its reconstruction is performed entirely in the Baroque style. Special attraction within the church is the famous "bell desire," which comes from the sixteenth century. Also very popular is the Bled Castle, located on a steep cliff, 130 meters above the lake. The story of the castle goes back to the tenth century, and during its history, it has changed many owners. Today is an attraction, along with the beautiful nature and lake.
