Much of the Old Town’s present appearance (including that of the castle) owes to its reconstruction after a disastrous earthquake in 1511. Many of its signature buildings, however, such as the Magistrat (Town Hall), St. Nicholas’ Cathedral, Gruber Palace, and Jesuit St. James’ Church, date to the following two centuries, when Ljubljana became an important center for both the Reformation and its suppression. This intellectual activity led to the development of a distinctive architectural style known as the Ljubljana Baroque, as well as the city’s expansion to the far side of the Ljubljanica, where important cultural institutions, such as one of Europe’s first musical conservatories, were located. One of the finest residences built in this style, theAuersperg Palace is currently being converted into the (so far) excellent City Museum.

Ljubljana’s position between Vienna and the Istrian coast led Napoleon to designate it as the capital of his Illyrian Provinces and (once Hapsburg rule had been restored) to its placement on the Vienna-Trieste railway line. Increased prosperity, the development of suburbs on the left bank of the Ljubljanica, and light industrialization followed. This newfound wealth and a developing Slovene national consciousness led to the establishment of various provincial institutions in the late 19th century, which acquired a national character after Slovenia’s 1991 independence, such as Ljubljana University, the National Museum, Opera House, and National Gallery.

An earthquake in 1895 necessitated much rebuilding, leading to the construction of the beloved Dragon Bridge in 1901 and allowing Ljubljana native Jože Plečnik an essentially free hand in designing such iconic structures as the Triple Bridge, National and University Library, and the Market Colonnade in the Old Town. His fellow Secessionists also contributed a variety of interesting buildings on the left bank of the river, and their harmonious interplay with Ljubljana’s Baroque core was not unduly disturbed by the dull socialist architecture that blights much of Central Europe. ${QuickSuggestions} The Slovene tolar (SIT) is fixed at a rate of SIT 242 to the euro, which will replace it in 2007.

English is widely understood, especially at establishments in the Old Town, transport stations, and historic sights.

The Ljubljana Tourist Board operates offices at the railway station, Stritarjeva (next to the Triple Bridge), and Krekov trg 10, all of which offer useful maps of the city, helpful Where To? listings guides, and bus system free of charge. The latter two offices also offer information about Slovenia as a whole. The office at Krekov trg is the best place for Internet access, which costs SIT 250 per half-hour.

Ljubljana is almost exactly in the center of Slovenia, making it quite easy to take a day trip almost anywhere else in the country via the excellent bus and rail networks.

The Ljubljana Card costs SIT 3000 and offers free admission to most museums, free transportation on city buses, and a variety of discounts at shops and restaurants. It is better value in summer than in winter (as many attractions are closed then) and is valid for 72 hours. It may be obtained at tourist offices and most hotels. ${BestWay} Getting to Ljubljana:
By Air: Slovenia’s only international airport is served by direct flights to most major European cities, including daily budget flights to Berlin Schonefeld and London Stansted on Easyjet. It is connected to the bus train/station just north of the city center by a variety of bus services costing from SIT 780 to SIT 1000. Taxis cost approximately 5000 SIT.
By Train: Ljubljana is the main station for the network of efficient and relatively inexpensive Slovenian Railways (SZ) trains which run to most destinations in Slovenia. There are also good connections to major cities in neighboring countries.
By Bus: Located directly in front of the train station, Ljubljana’s bus station is the heart of Slovenia's largely privatized intercity bus network. Buses tend to be reliable and frequent, though they are generally slower and more expensive than SZ Trains.

Getting Around Ljubljana: Ljubljana is best seen on foot, and indeed much of the historic center is pedestrianized. Single ride tokens for the reliable, but relatively infrequent city buses cost 190 SIT, or you can pay 300 SIT (notes only) on the bus. Many lines only run until 8pm.