This cobblestone square was for years a crossroads for people going from one side of Ljubljana to the other, but now it has become the hotspot, a meeting place for many couples who visit the statue of the great romantic poet after whom the square is named and take their photo among the jets flowing from the centrally located fountain.
History of the square and the context for its creation
Prešeren Square has always been a crossroads for those coming and going from the great castle to the famous bridge across the river Ljubljanica. Nevertheless, it was not until the 17th century that this large meeting place presided over by the great Church of the Annunciation came into being. In fact, during those centuries, it was called Saint Mary’s Square precisely because of the presence of the church.
It was in the early 19th century when the famous statue of the poet France Prešeren was erected, for a romantic reason that ended up renaming this site, and the square was filled with cafés, restaurants and people strolling here and there.
It has now become the city’s hotspot where you can feel the pulse of both the locals and the visitors touring the Slovenian capital.
France Prešeren or its namesake poet
Considered the forerunner of Slovene poetry, this Romantic poet also wrote in German and was very influential on the entire European literary movement of the time. He was the son of a well-off farmer, and his mother, who could read and write, sent him to his uncles, who were priests, to be educated. France thus studied philosophy and law.
In that very square, in a yellow façade right in front of his statue, lived Julija, the daughter of a rich merchant who stole his heart.
The poet never confessed his feelings to her, but Julija’s impossible love hurt him as much as the humiliation of his own homeland, and Slovenian nationalists found in his verses the very sentiment that united them as a nation.
Prešeren died in 1849 and, half a century later, in 1905, his compatriots unveiled a statue facing that window where a red-clad Julija can be seen leaning out to meet the poet’s gaze.
The statue was funded by the residents of Ljubljana and has now become a meeting point for many couples who take pictures of themselves imitating the romantic poet with his gaze lost in search of his muse.
Must-see buildings and landmarks
As well as being the vibrant centre of the Slovenian capital, Prešeren Square is also home to some of Ljubljana’s main attractions, making this a good starting point.
Franciscan Church of the Annunciation: the colour of the square
This baroque-style temple was built by the Augustinians in the 17th century, just as the square began to take shape as a meeting place beyond the crossroads it had historically been. This Italian-style building has a striking imposing façade, but its colour is even more impressive where pink pervades the entire square.
At the turn of the 19th century it was taken over by the Franciscans, who commissioned the interior frescoes which gradually established the baroque and illusionist concept in various stages.
The magical fountain
In the middle of the square, a type of fountain has been created in the shape of a sun, which sends a gentle artificial rainfall from the ground. At night, the beams are illuminated and, during the day, when it is in operation, fine drops of water flow out, reminding us of one of the virtues of the Slovenian capital, i.e. how green it is. It has also become the site chosen by many couples to have a romantic photo taken.
Triple Bridge
Triple Bridge was designed by the Slovenian architect Joze Plečnik, erecting it between 1929 and 1932 to allow vehicles and pedestrians to cross the river Ljubljanica, reinforcing the old crossing. It is one of the most popular places to have your photo taken and where many couples decide to put the famous padlocks to promise each other eternal love.
Čop Street, Ljubljana’s main thoroughfare
This is the main pedestrian area in the historic centre of the capital, which pays homage to one of the key Slovene literati, Matija Čop. From there, you have a perfect view of the castle and it is also home to many of the city’s most famous shops and restaurants.
