Today we stayed local and spent the day touring Ljubljana. The capital of Slovenia, it has a population of under 300k (the entirety of Slovenia has only about 2M) but the city center is very walkable. We walked the streets along the Ljubljanica, the aptly named river running through the central area. Plenty of tourists out today though not a crush.
Our first stop was the city museum of Ljubljana. The museum houses rooms showing the history of Ljubljana and it’s surrounds, from the first evidence of settlement around 400BC, right up to today. It was a well put together display despite being fairly small (all that history was displayed over 5 rooms). There was also a temporary exhibit of Jože Plečnik, the architect who in the early 20th century designed much of what can be seen today in Ljubljana. We usually enjoy the museums showing local history, and this one was no exception.
After the museum, we walked back along the Ljubljanica on the other side, and headed to the funicular that would take us up the hill to the Ljubljana Castle, which towers above the city.
The very short ride (about one tenth of the time we stood in line waiting our turn to ride – this was a popular attraction) and we were at the top and in the castle. Unfortunately, there isn’t really a whole lot to see in the castle itself, so we satisfied ourselves walking about, poking our heads in various passageways, and steering clear of the biggest crowds. We also had a nice leisurely lunch at the quiet restaurant in the grounds of the castle (which was probably quiet due to the prices – but the food was worth it).
Then it was back down the hill, and little more walking through the town, a fine pastry and beverage stop, then back to the apt.
