The column in the centre of Trg Francoske Revolucije recalls Napoleon’s Illyrian Provinces (1809–13), when Slovene was taught in schools for the first time.
Ilirija Column
Ljubljana
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
23.26 MILES
The jaw-dropping Postojna Cave system, a series of caverns, halls and passages some 24km long and two million years old, was hollowed out by the Pivka…
0.29 MILES
Crowning a 375m-high hill east of the Old Town, this castle is an architectural mishmash, with most of it dating from the early 16th century when it was…
24.16 MILES
Predjama Castle, 9km from Postojna, is one of Europe's most dramatic castles. It teaches a clear lesson: if you want to build an impregnable fortification…
12.54 MILES
The town's premier sight is the commanding Loka castle, overlooking the settlement from a grassy hill west of Mestni trg. It dates from the 13th century…
29.49 MILES
Perched atop a steep cliff more than 100m above the lake, Bled Castle is how most people imagine a medieval fortress to be, with towers, ramparts, moats…
25.66 MILES
More interesting than it sounds, this apiculture museum takes a closer look at the long tradition of beekeeping in Slovenia. The museum's collection of…
25.68 MILES
Radovljica's colourful main square is the town’s leading attraction, lined with houses from the 16th and 17th centuries. Look especially for Thurn Manor,…
29.45 MILES
Tiny, tear-shaped Bled Island beckons from the shore. There’s the Church of the Assumption and a small museum, the Provost's House, but the real thrill is…
Nearby Ljubljana attractions
0.02 MILES
Once the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights of the Cross (Križniki), the square now houses the Križanke open-air theatre. The Ilirija Column is in the…
0.04 MILES
The excellent city museum, established in 1935, focuses on Ljubljana’s history, culture and politics via imaginative multimedia and interactive displays…
3. National & University Library
0.06 MILES
This library is architect Jože Plečnik’s masterpiece, completed in 1941. To appreciate this great man’s philosophy, enter through the main door (note the…
0.07 MILES
Arguably the most innovative modern gallery in town thanks to the discerning owner/curator.
0.11 MILES
South of Cobblers' Bridge, this was a walled settlement of fisherfolk outside the town administration in the Middle Ages. Remnants include the very narrow…
6. DESSA Architectural Gallery
0.13 MILES
Small gallery spotlighting contemporary Slovenian and international architecture and architects.
0.16 MILES
Lined with 19th-century wooden shopfronts, quiet courtyards and cobblestone passageways, this is the heart of the Old Town. From behind the medieval…
0.16 MILES
Cutting-edge contemporary art gallery with a studenty vibe in the heart of the Old Town.