Postojna Cave 3

During World War II, German occupying forces used the cave to store nearly 1000 barrels of aircraft fuel, which were destroyed in April 1944 by Slovene Partisans. The fire burned for seven days, destroying a large section of the cave and blackening the entrance.

After 1945, the gas locomotive was replaced by an electric one. About 3.3 miles of the cave system are open to the public.

Doug and Beverly (to be continued) 

Postojna Cave 2

In the 1850s, the Austrian-Czech geographer Adolf Schmidl published the first comprehensive scientific overview of the Postojna caves. In 1872, cave rails were laid for the first cave train for tourists. They first used a gas locomotive.

During World War I, Russian prisoners of war were forced to construct a bridge across a large chasm inside the cave.

Doug and Beverly (to be continued) 

Postojna Cave

We left Ljubljana this morning and took a bus ride to southwestern Slovenia to visit the Postojna Cave.

This cave is the second-longest cave system in the country. The caves were created by the Pivka River. It was first described in the 17th century. In 1818, when the cave was being prepared for a visit by Francis I, the first Emperor of the Austria-Hungary empire, a new area of the cave was discovered accidentally by a local man. 

Doug and Beverly (to be continued) 

Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia

 Visit charming Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, considered to be one of the most fascinating European cities. 

 Ljubljana, the capital and largest city in Slovenia, is the cultural, educational, economic, political and administrative center of the country. It is renowned for its rich history, reflected in the unique architectural heritage. 

 Its old town center is embraced by Ljubljana Castle and the river Ljubljanica where the feeling of the city is the strongest. 

On your trip, you will encounter ancient and modern architecture. 

You will visit the old town center where you will admire the works of the famous Slovene architect Jože Plečnik, who took an important part in designing the Ljubljana’s most famous bridges, town squares and parks. In a little more than three decades, Jože Plečnik transformed Ljubljana from a provincial city to the capital of the Slovene nation and reshaped the urban part of the city. We will visit the Triple Bridge, the University library, the Covered Market buildings, Križanke theater, and the Cobblers' bridge. 

 You will take a walking tour of the historical city centre during which you will be immersed in the history and stories behind Ljubljana's major sights, you will visit some of the most interesting buildings and monuments, such as the Ljubljana Town Hall, the Triple Bridge, the Shoemakers’ Bridge, Ljubljana Cathedral, the Robba Fountain, Prešeren Square, Congress Square and other attractions.  

 The symbol of the city is the Ljubljana Dragon. It is depicted on the top of the tower of Ljubljana Castle and on the Ljubljanica-crossing Dragon Bridge. It symbolizes power, courage and greatness. You will hear many hilarious legends about the dragons. 

If you decide for a 3hr tour: 
 At the end of your tour, you will reach the Castle Hill on foot, or by using a funicular railway (6 EUR) and you will visit the medieval Ljubljana Castle where you will enjoy the magnificent view of the entire region. 
 Ljubljana is a modern capital, but at the same time it offers the friendly and relaxed atmosphere of a small town. It is truly a vibrant city full of surprises.

 

Ljubljana by Josh

 Many of the buildings of the old town were from centuries ago but the earthquake of 1895 destroyed most of them. So the current buildings are 19th century; some even have the date of 1903 on them; note the canopy of wrought iron and glass; first of its kind here.

 In the old town square is a statue of Preseren. He is the national poet. The muse that is with him is a real lady whom he loved; but he never told her. So most of his poetry is about unrequited love.

Dragon Bridge.

 Ljubljana is the capitol of Slovenia. Its patron saint is Saint George. The legend of Saint George and the Dragon describes the saint taming and slaying a dragon that demanded human sacrifices; the saint thereby rescues the princess chosen as the next offering. So he slew the dragon of Lujbljana (the "j's" are silent). You will see pictures of the dragons on the four corners of the Dragon Bridge. 

Josh

Ljubljana castle is free of charge

 I would just like to correct you about a few things 😀. The Ljubljana castle is free of charge, you can enter for free. But once you are inside you can pay extra if you want to climb the tower or see an exhibition.   You wrote "public transportation in Ljubljana is free". May I ask where you got this information? As a resident of Ljubljana I do wish it was free 😀. But the city bus costs 1.20€ for 90min.

Anyway happy to hear you had a good time 💚. Natasha