Picturesque Public Buildings in Ljubljana, Slovenia

During preparations to renovate the Auersperg Palace (1995 to 2003), large-scale archaeological research was conducted and archaeologists uncovered pre-historic graves (dating back to 1000 - 800 BC), the remnants of Roman city Emona eastern gates and remains of one of the main Roman roads from the beginning of 1st century AD.

Auersperg Palace was built in 14th century on the southwest end of "Novi trg" (New Court). During the course of the history the purpose of the palace changed numerous times and each era added something new to the building.

The most extensive reconstruction took place in 1654 when the neighboring corner building was incorporated and the facade changed to one in Baroque style. New arched corridors were added along the courtyard facades to connect all three wings of the new palace which had two spacious housing units with some ten rooms on each floor.

More construction work (adding another wing, a new staircase and two large salons), changes of function and catastrophic earthquake of 1895 all took their toll on the building which was in 1935 purchased by the City of Ljubljana for the purpose of housing its newly founded City Museum.

Since, all the renovations are focused on preservation of the characteristic elements of the palace but devoted to the modern museum visitors.

* among Slovenians, City Hall (mestna hisa) is also known by the names "Rotovz" and "Magistrat"

* Ljubljana's Town Hall is located on Town Square (Mestni trg)

* City Hall building was originally built in Baroque style in 1584 by architect Peter Bezlaj

* building underwent a radical renovation in an interesting blend of late Baroque and Classicist style between 1717 and 1719 - done by architect Gregor Macek

* monument to the Serbain (first Yugoslav) king Peter I was erected in the entrance to the Town Hall in mid 1920s. It was designed by Ljubljana's most prominent architect Joze Plecnik. Unfortunately, this monument was removed and destroyed in April of 1941 (the beginning of WW II in Slovenia) by the Fascist Italian occupation authorities of the Province of Ljubljana.

* over the years Ljubljana's City Hall has served different purposes, including a theatre in the 16th and 17th century

* in front of the City Hall stands a replica of famous Three Carniolan Rivers Fountain (vodnjak treh rek), sculpted by Venetian artist Francesco Robba, being created for 9 years, completed in 1751. The original is in the National Gallery.

* things to see inside the Town Hall: beautiful decorative inside courtyard, old well in the middle of inside court, the original Hercules statue, in one of the arcaded courtyards is the original Fountain of Narcissus by Robba, paintings on the walls, Baroque arcade of patterned painted arches, large wall engravement of old Ljubljana hung in the interior courtyard, art exhibits

* things to notice on the outside of the building: protruding balcony and clocktower

The building of Slovenian Parliament was designed by the architect Vinko Glanz in 1954 and completed in 1959.

In construction mainly the local materials (marble, stone and wood) were used. Tiles throughout the entire building are made of Karstic marble from Kopriva, and the areas under the windows on the facade are decorated with green granite from Oplotnica.

The main accent of the building is its portal, supported by five pillars tiled with granite from Pohorje.

Sculptural compositions by academy sculptors Karel Putrih and Zdenko Kalin adorn the entire terminal part of the portal, depicting family happiness, education, mining, electrification, justice, the textile industry, mechanical engineering, fruitgrowing, agriculture, fishing, forestry and shipbuilding. Far to the right and left there are male and female figures with their arms aloft.

Pillars by Zdenko Kalin represent safe path into the future, happiness, prosperity and peace.

The two cherubs with a wreath symbolically bestow glory and honour upon everyone who strives to create more beautiful and fulfilling life.

Two of the pillars are devoted to arts, there are children playing, and sculptures of men and women armed for resistance.

The interior of the building was also constructed with colorful local, natural materials.

Ljubljana's parliamentary building is housing the National Assembly and the National Council of Slovenia.

Open house hours: every second Saturday of the month at 9, 10 and 11 a.m.