The cathedral is the most important place of worship in Slovenia for Catholics, both for its history and for its beautiful exterior and incredible interior. In fact, on one of the doors you can see four bishops sculpted in iron with an almost hypnotic realism, which has become one of the symbols of the cathedral. The cathedral also has several works of art dedicated to Pope John Paul II during his visit to Ljubljana.
Origins and history of Slovenia’s most important cathedral
In 1701, construction of the current church began, before it was opened just a few years later. The cathedral was built on the site of another church that had stood since the thirteenth century but was burnt down and eventually declared a ruin.
The cathedral is the centre of power of the Archdiocese of Ljubljana and represents more than 1,000 years of Catholicism in Slovenia, making its symbolism extremely important for the country’s history.
The building is built in the Baroque style and its famous green dome and two towers, which stand out against the Slovenian capital’s skyline, are particularly notable. The cathedral’s interior is truly majestic thanks to the frescoes painted on the walls and ceilings as well as the use of gilding and the exuberant Baroque decoration that means no wall or dome remains bare. The main door is made of bronze and is one of the most lauded in Slovenia for its beauty, symbolism and realism.
Planning your visit
This symbol of Ljubljana is one of the most visited monuments in the city. Since it is a Catholic church, visitors must adhere to the church rules, especially in terms of decorum and clothing.
The cathedral is open from Monday to Sunday from 8 am to 7 pm, although you must respect the mass schedule. Admission is free but a small entrance fee may be charged for certain areas or on special occasions.
Guided tours can be organised in several languages, ensuring the tour of this impressive church is accessible to all visitors. What’s more, St Nicholas cathedral is right in the centre of Ljubljana, making it easy to get to. From the cathedral you can also reach most of the Slovenian capital’s major attractions.
What to see in this incredible cathedral: the interior and exterior
The first thing that strikes you about the cathedral is undoubtedly its green dome and the two equal-size towers that seem to guard it. The current church, built in the form of a Latin cross with side chapels, was designed by the Jesuit architect Andrea Pozzo and built on the remains of a medieval church that had burnt to the ground. Vestiges of its past include a Gothic voussoir bearing the head of Christ, which can be seen to the right of the main entrance, and a fifteenth-century Pieta, which is now in the niche on the south façade.
Incidentally, the dome for which this church is known was added much later than its construction, in 1841, by Gregor Macek. The frescoes on the inside were created at a later date by Matevž Langus, complementing the illusionistic ones by Giulio Quaglio. As a result, the interior is a unique space in which the figures on the ceiling seem to have a life of their own and to float in the atmosphere.
The high altar bears the figure of St Nicholas of Bari, to whom the church is dedicated, and is a real gem, containing several relics of the saint’s body. The chapels are also full of works of art and the choir organ, which is still used for special masses and concerts, is a must-see.
One of the highlights of the exterior is the main door, on which important scenes from the history of over a thousand years of Catholicism in Slovenia are sculpted. Be sure not to also miss the side door, on which the bronze sculptor Mirsad Begic paid homage to Pope John Paul II during his visit.
