France Preseren - Slovenian poet

http://ljubljana.inyourpocket.com Formally a meeting place for several roads in front of one of the old entrance gates to the city, and a public square since Ljubljanas original defensive walls were torn down in the middle of the 19th century, this is one of the citys most important landmarks. Named after Slovenias national poet France Prešeren (German, Franz Prescheren, 1800-1849), it's both a popular meeting place (notably under the large statue of the man after whom the square is named) and a site for concerts and events during the summer. The charming little public space is ringed by a number of interesting sights including the magnificent Art Nouveau façade of the Urbanc House, an extraordinary piece of early 20th-century flamboyance and site of the now sadly closed Centromerkur department store France Prešeren Slovenia's national poet France Prešeren (1800-1849) stands in the square named in his honour at the foot of the Triple Bridge. As well as offering an interesting visual treat, the monument also serves as a focal point for people meeting in the city. Erected in 1905, the large monolith is the work of the architect Maks Fabiani and sculptor Ivan Zajc and features the Muse of poetry holding a small laurel of bay leaves over his head as well as extracts from his writing around the base. Franciscan Church (Frančiškanski Samostan) Built in an instantly recognisable, mildly swirly Baroque fashion, Ljubljanas mid-16th-century Franciscan Church dominates Prešernov Trg like a big pink birthday cake. Part of a larger complex with an additional Franciscan monastery, if youre lucky enough to find the doors unlocked expect a few treats inside including Robbas 18th-century altar, some charming frescoes dating from 100 years or so later and a chapel notable for containing a cross designed by none other than Jože Plečnik. For those who dont appreciate the finer points of ecclesiastic architecture, the front steps do at least provide a nice place to sit and watch the world go by on a gloriously sunny day. For more sites in Ljubljana, Slovenia check out Ljubljana In Your Pocket city guide: http://www.inyourpocket.com/slovenia/ljubljana/Sightseeing