Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, is a dynamic Central European city lying at an altitude of 298 m above sea level in a broad basin between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. Ljubljana is situated on a natural passage leading from Central Europe to the Mediterranean and towards the East called the “Ljubljana Gate.” It is not by pure coincidence that trade routes and waves of migration have passed through it for centuries. From the times of the first settlers right down to the present day, the transit character of this area has stimulated the constant growth of economic and cultural ties with other cities and nations. From its very beginnings, Ljubljana’s culture and lifestyle have been attuned to contemporary currents in Europe, while both the Central European and the Mediterranean spirit have influenced the temperament of its residents.
Ljubljana is certainly a city with a high quality of life. Very recently it was among Europe's Most Idyllic Places to Live on position 5 www.forbes.com It is a city of greenery, its very centre occupied by parks and forests, and it also represents an ideal departure point for the discovery of all the variety Slovenia has to offer. The unique Karst region, the Adriatic coast, the mountains, the hilly wine-growing regions, the spas, and many historic towns are all within a two-hour drive.
Ljubljana’s appearance and flair has charmed many visitors. The traveler will find here a unique combination of a tranquil capital city bubbling with the spiritual energy of the nation. Ljubljana was found at the first position in the list of 10 Most Honest Cities in the World www.tourism-review.com. In 2010 the title of 'World Book Capital' is to be carried by Ljubljana, it was announced on Wednesday, 18 June, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Ljubljana, which put its name forward for the first time, won the award against stiff competition from Vienna, Lisbon, St. Petersburg, Riga, Guadalajara and Wellington.
In Ljubljana the old meets the new, creating the unique appearance of the Old Town. This is a picturesque blend of Medieval, Baroque and Art Nouveau masterpieces combined with the original character given to the city by the famous architect Jože Plečnik.