Day 2 (July 20, 2015): Ljubljana: One of Europe's Gem Cities

Today we focused on making up for lost time yesterday.  We were up around 7am, downstairs at breakfast by 8:15, and in a taxi to Ljubliana Castle by 9am.

Ljubljana is divided by the Ljubljana River, with Old Town straddling both sides. Our day was spent exploring that area, and we got to know it well!  With temperatures in the mid-30s with 80% humidity, it was tough slogging, but very enjoyable. 

Ljubliana Castle dates back to Celtic times. It occupies an impressive location overlooking the city with views second to none and a funicular making access much easier in the heat.

Lubljana Castle from one of the Ols Town's many squares 

Inside the Castle complex

One of the Castle's many torture approaches used in yesteryear 

Puppetry is a major art form here. The Castle has a wonderful puppetry museum

The view from Ljubljana Castle

After the castle, we started walking the Old Town, checking out the various bridges -- the Dragon's Bridge, the Glass Bridge, the Butchers' Bridge, and the Triple Bridge.  

Dragons' Bridge

The Glass bridge, where lovers place padlocks

The Triple Bridge

The Butchers' Bridge

Then there were the churches, the University, more town squares than I can remember, the market, and the National Library (designed by Slovenia's most famous architect, Jose Plecnik).

The University 

Inside Plecek's National Library

Nonstop rain (from an overhead conspicuous pipe) in the city centre. Great for cooling off!

A row of medieval houses on Gornji Trg

One of the many churches

Lunch was at one of the city's old historic hotels. We had an afternoon break at the top of an Art Deco tower in a cafe overlooking the city.  And supper was at one of the many restaurants along Stari Trg, an historic street below the castle.

Dinner: Goulash is a specialty in these parts

A late afternoon cruise on the river was the highlight of the day.

Cruise on the Ljubljana River

We were back at the hotel by 7pm. And promptly fell asleep for awhile - ten hours of enjoyable sightseeing in one of Europe's city gems wiped us out.

Tomorrow we will get up early and take a bus to Lake Bled , 60km from Ljubljana, before heading to the airport.

This was the first substantial day of our holiday, and it really exceeded our expectations of the Balkans. I leave you with this profound graffiti message. Good night from Ljubljana.