Your first impression of Ljubljana Castle will probably be from below staring up at it, standing like a sentinel, on the top of the hill overlooking the city. You are aware of its presence in the background well before you visit it.

Climbing up to the castle you meander on curving streets past beautiful cottages, views of the city and, in our case, under the watchful gaze of a number of neighbourhood cats! Once at the top you are rewarded with more fantastic views over the city from the 19th Century Belvedere Tower (there has been a settlement on the site since Celtic times but much of the castle is now based around 16th Century and after rebuilding) and a chance to look round St. George’s Chapel and the Castle itself.

During its lifetime the Castle has been used as a garrison, seat of provincial government and a prison. Now it is used for weddings, concerts and art exhibitions. While we were there was a fascinating exhibition of iron/metal work sculpture by Aleksander Arhar.

Castle Hill. Either take the Tourist Train from Prešeren Square or Walk up from Ciril-Metodov Trg or via Gornji trg and Ulica na Grad

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you follow the route of the Ljubljanica to the south the river widens and the high-sided embankments of the centre give way to broader walkways. Turn off from the river at the Gradascica Canal and you will enter two of the oldest suburbs in the city, Trnovo and Krakovo.

The pretty two storey cottages, the gardens and allotments give the suburbs a very different - much more rural - feel than the rest of the city.

It doesn’t take long to walk there – about 15 to 20 minutes – and on a sunny day it is a very pleasant stroll. You are rewarded by two neighbourhoods that contribute much to Ljubljana’s charm.

South of the city centre

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends