If you visit Ljubljana’s city center there are two churches you won’t be able to miss – Saint Nicholas’s Cathedral and the uniquely colored pink Church of the Annunciation located on the Prešernov trg square. But if you like a good story, appreciate interesting architecture and history there are more churches in Ljubljana that you can visit. Here are the ones that I’d recommend.
Most interesting churches in Ljubljana:
Church of St. John the Baptist
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.
Tip: Famous architect Jože Plečnik lived in the house next to the church and I’d recommend visiting it. It’s now a very interesting museum that lets you learn more about this great man. And you can find his lamp of eternal light in the church.
Ursuline Church or Church of the Holy Trinity
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.
Location: Best observed, if you stand somewhere in the middle of Kongresni trg square and turn towards the main Slovenska cesta road.
Tip: Visit the Museum of Illusions while you are at the Kongresni trg.
Church of St Francis
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. Plečnik continued to add new elements to it, even after it was finished and operational, . 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: You can find the church in the district of Šiška, tucked between different apartment buildings. Get there by taking the bus number 22, 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.
Two more interesting churches await you on Visit Ljubljana’s official blog. Go check them out.