June 20 - Ljubljana, Slovenia

This morning we docked in Koper, Slovenia.  We gathered for our tour to Ljubljana, the capital city, with our very informative guide Tina.  Slovenia is one of the republics formed from the former Yugoslavia.  This country was fortunate because upon declaring its independence it only experienced a 10-day war unlike some of the other countries like Bosnia, Croatia and Kosovo.  Slovenia is small with only a 40 mile coastline.  On our drive inland to Ljubljana we passed through hills covered with forests with an occasional farm here and there.  In the distance we could see the  Dinaric Alps which form part of the border with Austria.  Slovenia is bordered by Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary. Like most of the places we’ve visited, this country has been under the rule of many civilizations including among others Rome, the Holy Roman Empire and in the most recent past Austria-Hungary.

Ljubljana lies at the confluence of three rivers including the Ljuljanica which runs through the downtown old city.  Dominating the landscape is the Ljubljana Castle which was the home of the dukes who owned the city.  The downtown has been made into a pedestrian zone entirely.  The area is pretty small and easily walked.  Our bus dropped us off at the square which holds the central market.  As a lover of markets, I was impressed with this one.  It’s the largest outdoor market in Europe and the place was full of stands selling a vast array of fruits, vegetables and flowers.  When we passed the section of fruit vendors, the smell of strawberries was absolutely incredible! 

Ljubljana Castle above the city

The beautiful market

Our tour took us on a stroll through the old city.  The river has many bridges in just a short distance including one set called the Triple Bridge, three built nearly side by side. The dragon is the symbol of Ljubljana.  While no one is certain why that is, our guide told us that legend has it that Jason (of the Argonauts and Golden Fleece fame) sailed to the area on his quest.  While near modern-day Ljubljana he fought and killed a dragon before continuing his journey.  Whatever the reason is, the symbol is found everywhere on buildings and bridges.

Some stylized Ljubljana dragons

There are a number of large squares, some with trees, others with just fountains.  There are lots of large statues and sculptures around.  Many are of famous Slovenian poets and artists.  One square in particular had an interesting story to the statue.  It was that of Slovenia’s most famous poet.  He’s looking across the square at the house where his  true love lived.  Over time a tree grew and blocked the view so a sculpture of his lady looking out a window toward him was placed on building within his line of sight.

The poet

and his true love returning his gaze

We had a typical Slovenian lunch in a restaurant nearly across the street from the Cathedral of St. Nicholas.  That was the Cathedral in which Katie’s chorus performed two years ago when it did a tour.  She and I met at the end in Venice and did a cruise that took us to the eastern Mediterranean.  The Cathedral has some interesting bronze doors.  One set represents the history of Slovenia from ancient times to the present.  They were commissioned and installed for a visit by Pope John Paul II. 

Following lunch we made our way back to the market square and boarded our bus for our return to the ship.  At the dock a group of Slovenian musicians was playing traditional folk music.  They played until we sailed away and then waved goodbye as we went out past the breakwater.

It was a very nice day!  Katie had told me after her visit 2 years ago that the country was beautiful. She was right!  I lived in what was then Yugoslavia many years ago and passed through Slovenia often on our way to a beach resort or Italy in the summertime.  It was so long ago that my memories are faint, but I do know that the place has changed dramatically.  It’s a country I would go back to again and would like to spend more time visiting.