The Charm of Ljubljana

06.01.2012 @ 13:07 | by Slovenia Holidays | 1 comments

Have you ever visited a city with three bridges on exactly same location? Did you already try a cake called ˝Ljubljanska rezina˝? Are you recently wondering about the next romantic destination to visit?

 

 

Well - I think Ljubljana with its charming streets and squares will not let you down. If you hurry up you will still be able to see some winter decorations but otherwise the lazy green River of Ljubljanica is a decoration itself.

They say hardworking people need some more rest after being on holiday. So I took the advice and soon after christmas decided to spend two ˝relaxation˝ days in the capital of Slovenia. The river banks were full with stands and people yet even if the temperatures were cold noone complained. The air was filled with good energy and laughter. I decided to have a glass of ˝Rdeča Carolina˝, my favourite red wine that you can order in ˝Dvorni bar˝ and as the evening unfolded I seem to be enjoying more and more. The company was great and even my ˝curious eye˝ was satisfied as I was sitting next to a huge window and could observe people passing by. Suddenly I realized I have to book an accomodation. So I remembered the clue about a cute, butique hotel just in the heart of the old centre that my friend once gave me. Being a kind of person that always trusts the ˝word-of-mouth˝ more than anything else I decided in an instant. Garni hotel Allegro has become my host for the night. The receptionist was outstandingly kind, the rooms were nice and for the breakfast I was able to make my own freshly squeezed juice and toast. The classic furniture was giving me a ˝being-at-home˝ feeling. What more can I say- I recommend it.

 

 

 

The next day sun enlightened the city and I went for a pleasant walk. Surprisingly I found the beautiful designer store in town called Emporium opened (even on bank holiday) so I entered. Even if you are not a fashion designer´s fan you must see the building inside because of it´s architecture. They have been renovating it for a long time and there was some hustle about the ownership of the building but is now finally opened for visitors and ˝shopping-holics˝. When you are on the Prešeren´s square again cross the Jože Plečnik´s tripple bridge turn left and order a cup Biologically produced- green tea at ˝Lolita˝ (for hungry one´s they offer a variety of cakes and snacks).

 

 

Feel Ljubljana!

 

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Sculptures of Slovenia

31.12.2011 @ 09:44 | by Slovenia Holidays | 1 comments

Did you know that there are several sculpture parks in Slovenia where tourists and local people can observe masterpieces made by Slovenian, ex Yugoslav, Italian, Japanese, British, Czech, American, Belgium, Dutch, French, Austrian, Polish, Romanian, Israeli, Egyptian and Ethiopian sculptors within international symposiums going on since 1961?

 

 

The international symposiums called ˝Forma viva˝ take place in several interesting destinations of Slovenia and were initiated by Slovenian sculptors Janez Lenassi and Jakob Savinšek. The idea was born in 1959 after the two artists visited the symposium in St. Margharethen (Austria).

 

1. Let us start with the sculptures of stone. You can find them all across ˝Seča˝ (120km from Ljubljana), little peninsula on Slovenian coast covered with pine and olive trees. The view at the Adriatic sea as well as aerosols in the air will calm you down. Even better- in the matter of minutes you will be thinking only on the meaning of sculptures and how much time was spent to make them, so all the problems in your head will just melt away. Been there, done that.

 

 

2. On the other hand wooden ˝Forma viva˝ resides on the only Slovenian island embraced by the river Krka- ˝Kostanjevica na Krki˝(92km from Ljubljana). The sculptures are put in the mystery surrounding of an old monastery, built in 1234. By visiting Forma Viva you can also have a look at the art collections inside of the monastery building especially the collections of famous brothers France and Tone Kralj as well as Božidar Jakac. I know so many interesting art sounds a bit tiring but do not worry. Just a five minutes drive away you will find an excellent restaurant called ˝Gostilna Žolnir˝ serving seasonal slovenian dishes, like ˝Krvavice s kislim zeljem˝ (could be translated as black pudding&cabbage). For the directions ask anyone on the island as I am sure everybody knows the place.

 

 

3. The third Forma Viva made of reinforced concrete decorates the city of ˝Maribor˝ (128km from Ljubljana). The avantgarde sculptures were made between the years 1967 and 1986 mostly by artists from Japan (for example Harunori Fujimoto), USA and ex Yugoslavian countries.

4. The final Forma Viva I am going to mention (they are several new ones each year) is the one in ˝Ravne na Koroškem˝ (124km from Ljubljana). This one is made of steel, inspired by the tradition of iron foundries in the region.

As you see Slovenia is more than just beauty of the natural landscape, forrests, mountains and little villages - it is indeed a cultural destination as well. Feel free to explore it!

 

 

 

Categories: Activities, Arboretum, Beauty, Cities, History, Places, Seaside, Sightseeing, Travel, Wellness
Tags: concrete, culture, Forma viva, holidays, iron, monuments, sculptures, sightseeing, Slovenia, stone, trips, wellness

Living Nativity Scenes and Plays in Slovenia

18.12.2011 @ 22:12 | by Slovenia Holidays | 2 comments

 

There is nothing more innocent that little baby in the crib. Nothing more amazing than the thought we all once were ˝tabula rasa˝- an empty piece of paper, ready to be filled with stories, experience, knowledge, impressions...

 

First living crib was set in the little town Greccio, Italy in the early year of 1223 as St. Francis tried to discourage the pilgrims to travel to Betlehem because of the risky nature of the trip. However, since then Greccio and Betlehem are twinned and as the result allover the world living cribs, nativity scenes and plays are performed. 

If you want to have a look at some most interesting nativity scenes and plays the Slovenia is a right place to be. Most interesting would deffinitely be the 22nd traditional living nativity scene taking place in the Carst Cave of Postojna. The cristmas crib invites you on 25th, 26th, 29th, 30th of December as well as 1st, 2nd and 6th of January 2012. Check out their website (http://www.postojnska-jama.si/) for more information about the prices and special concerts organised on-site.

 

Here is a list of other LIVE christmas crib sceneries that I reccomend:

 

1) Live nativity scene in icy surrounding of Mlačca- Mojstrana. 25th Dec. till 2nd Jan.2012 at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. (www.lednoplezanje.com) Tickets: 10€ Adults, 7€ Children

 

2) Betlehem in Radovljica, 52 km from Ljubljana. 25th December 2011 at 5 p.m. (http://www.radolca.si/)

 

3) Christmas secret in cave Pekel. Nativity scene with children singing. Tickets: 6 € Adults, 1€ Kids.

Adress: Ob Rimski nekropoli 2, Šempeter.

 

4) Live nativity scene in Razbor. 24th of Dec. after the holy mass.

 

5) Live nativity play in Višnja gora, 25km from Ljubljana. 24th, 25th and 26th of Dec. 2011.

 

6) 19th Live nativity scene, singing and praying on Smarna gora, 14km from Ljubljana 25th of Dec. 2011 at 5.30 pm.

 

 

Christmas is the time which reminds us that every day is the right day for a new start, new birth. It is never too late to becomme better, to spread love, to change that acid expression on our faces into an innocent smile of a child.

 

 

Merry, merry christmas to you!

 

 

 

 

 

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Christmas markets in Slovenia

04.12.2011 @ 21:53 | by Slovenia Holidays | 3 comments

December is here! Smell of mulled wine and cinnamon cookies, warmth of gloves and hats and sparkling lights on trees and houses. Picking your next holiday destination? Slovenia might be just the right choice for you. Every town has at least one christmas market where you can buy authentic gifts, souvenirs and sweets or just have a look and have a chat with locals.

This afternoon I had a walk in Portorose, a tiny holiday resort on Slovene coast, famous by tradition of thalasso therapy, when I suddenly heard christmas music. Following the melody and smell of roasted chestnuts I found a small christmas market located just in front of historic Palace hotel once the most important hotel in this part of Europe. Curious as I am I approached the stands to see what they were selling. Little bottles of extra vergine olive oil, candles made of natural bee wax, hand-made souvenirs, lace jewerly and lovely christmas tree decorations. But the best comes always at the end- too conclude the little market experience, I was able to try and buy ˝Piranski brancin˝, amazingly tasteful seabass grown by family Fonda in the gulf of Piran. Already ringing your bell? Come and see for yourself. The christmas market awaits you untill 18th December.

If Portorož is not in your travel plans, you should absolutely visit some other christmas market in Slovenia. Here is the list of some:

1. Ljubljana- Christmas market, Pogačar square (˝Pogačarjev Trg˝)
Every day 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Untill 31st December

2. Maribor- Christmas market, Leon Štukelj square (˝Trg Leona Štuklja˝)
Every day
From 15th untill 29th December

3. Koper- Christmas market, Tito square (˝Titov trg˝)
Every day 5 p.m -9 p.m.

4. Celje- Christmas market, Old town (˝Mestno jedro˝)
Every day 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
From 16th untill 31st December

5. Novo mesto- Christmas market, Planet Tuš
Every day 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Untill 31st December

6. Bled- Christmas market, Terrace of Kavarna park
Every weekend 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Untill 30th December

 

As once a friend of mine well put it:˝Christmas is not only about giving and getting the gifts. It´s about finding the right surprise for a right person. It´s about the time we spend on thinking about the right people. About the time we spend on decorating the tree and baking cookies. Christmas is about expectation.˝

 

 

Happy expectation to all of you...

 

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Maribor - Second largest City in Slovenia

30.11.2011 @ 12:26 | by Slovenia Holidays | 0 comments

Maribor, Slovenia's second largest city is also one of the well known tourist destinations in Europe. Situated in Stajerska, Maribor is blessed with scenic beauty and lush greenery that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world. If there are tourists who flock to this picturesque city to enjoy the view of wine growing hills, there are many who like to explore the culture and life of the city.

 

Interestingly, wine making is an age old tradition followed in this region. Wine making has therefore become an integral part of the city's heritage. In addition to exploring the age old techniques used to produce the finest quality of wine, Maribor is also known for offering a relaxed and rejuvenated ambience that appeals to a lot of travelers who want to spend some quality time with family.

 

The old town of this city provides exciting opportunities for adventure. Lent, for instance, takes back the travelers to a lost era of architectural glory and monumental brilliance. There are ancient towers, castles and museums that have stood the test of time and retained their ancient glory. The Square Glavni trg, Town Hall, the Jewish synagogue, the Plague monument and Art Gallery and Theatre are some of the places that every traveler must visit on a trip to Maribor.

 

Cultural festivals and other events are the other highlights of Maribor that hosts the Old Vine Festival, Festival Lent, the Golden Fox and Festival Maribor every year to draw more visitors and give them a taste of their rich culture.

 

Categories: Cities
Tags: maribor