The most interesting churches in Ljubljana

It is said that the famous Slovenian poet France Prešeren and the author of the poem that became Slovenian national anthem met his muse Julija Primic in front of this church. It was to be the beginning of an unrequited love that marked his life and his work. He remained hopelessly in love with Julia and some of his greatest poems are dedicated to her.

Location: The church is located in the lovely Trnovo district, which can easily be reached from the centre. Just follow the river Ljubljanica, heading right if you are standing on the Prešern square and the castle is on the hill in front of you.

Speaking of Jože Plečnik and interesting architecture, I suggest you wander out of the centre and visit the Church of St. Francis, which was built between 1925 and 1927. Even after it was finished and operational, Plečnik continued to add new elements to it. He furnished it with chandeliers and, WWII he decorated the church's Chapel, baptistery and sacristy. The uniqueness is evident both inside and outside.

Location: The church can be found in the district of Šiška, tucked between different apartment buildings. The bus number 22 will get you the closest but you’ll still have to walk a short distance.

Tip: Honestly there’s not much to do in the vicinity, but don’t skip it, the building itself is worth the detour.

This church, which is open on special occasions, has a long history, dating back to 1526 when a document refers to a church at the location of Rožnik Hill. And it is the location, that has gotten this church on the list.

Location: It will be a bit of hike to get to the church, but it’ll be worth it. It is located on Cankarjev vrh, named after a famous Slovenian writer Ivan Cankar, who lived there between 1910 and 1917.

Built by Jesuits between 1613 and 1615 the Church of St. James has the altar and statues sculpted by Francesco Robba, who lived in the vicinity of the church. He was an Italian Baroque sculptor and his most famous work in Ljubljana is the Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers in front of the town hall, while the original can be observed in the National Gallery.

Jože Plečnik has been involved here as well as the architect who redesigned the square around the church. He surrounded it with a row of stone balls and added greenery.

Location: From the Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers in the centre take a right and walk down the Mestni trg and Stari trg squares to Levstikov trg square and it will be right in front of you.

I have passed this church, Church of the Holy Trinity, also called the Ursuline Church, numerous times. It’s impossible not to due to its location. I haven’t realised it how beautiful it is until I researched churches for this post. Don’t make my mistake, when on Kongresni trg square keep your eyes opened and you will spot a building – church with interesting undulating façade enhanced by semi-columns and a characteristic gable. This all makes it one of Ljubljana's most unusual Baroque monuments. Unlike typical Baroque churches it is not painted inside, yet it holds a lot of significant artwork.