History

Important strategic Ljubljana's gates where permanently inhabited from younger Stone Age onwards. Highly developed was Neolithic and marsh dwellers culture.

Artefacts from this era can be found in museums only

Roman era

Roman settlement called Emona was established when Julius Cezar expanded his empire towards the East. At the beginning Emona was military settlement upgraded to civilian city in 14 AD by Tiberius. The city had rectangular ground plan 540 x 430 meters in dimension. Surrounded by 6 to 8 meters high and 2,5 meters wide city walls interrupted every 60 meters with 26 watch out towers. Emona was classical Roman town, streets where oriented in N-S and W-E axis, city had four gates. Severe and central heating systems were highly developed. Emona was destroyed in 6th century. A lot from this era can be seen in Ljubljana. Emona lied on the left side of Ljubljanica River, under the city centre. Some part of the wall was rebuilt, and there are quite a few places where Emona can still be seen today.

Medival Ljubljana

Ljubljana was first mentioned in 1144 when the city began to grow. In 1335 Habsburgh (Austrians) took control over the city and kept it until First World War. The oldest part of town is Stari trg, followed by Mestni trg and Novi trg. Six gated lead to the city where craftsmanshift and trade flourished.

Not much from this period is preserved. Only urban design of the city has not been changed since this period.

from 16th to 18th century

Protestantism develops in that era in Ljubljana. First book in Slovene language is published in 1550. After the first bigger earthquake in 1511 Ljubljana is rebuilt in baroque manner. New building are being built; like libraries, city hall, ... City wall is knock down, and Ljubljana expands.

Most of the old city is from this era.

19th century

In 1809 French (Napoleon) comes to Ljubljana and makes it capital of Ilirske province (extending from Tirol on the north to Dalmatia with Dubrovnik in the South). Slovene language becomes official language, first college is formed, and first parks are planned and built. When Austrians returns development in Ljubljana is stopped. In 1849 Railway reaches Ljubljana, city start to grow in the area between old town and new railway station.

Most of Ljubljana's parks are from this era

After major earthquake in 1895

Earthquake destroys much of the city. Under the guidance of mayor Hribar and with found for reconstruction Ljubljana receives new image. A lot new infrastructure is built.

Most of the old centre has not been changed after the post earthquake reconstruction

After the First World War

Austrians leave Slovenia. Ljubljana becomes part of Yugoslavia and becomes important political and education centre which enjoys prosperity. University is founded, National library, National Gallery and many other important buildings are erected. The Neboticnik (skyscraper) built in that time is 9th tallest building in Europe and the tallest in Balkan. Witch is quite an achievement for small Ljubljana. Architect Plecnik starts to work in Ljubljana and leaves strong mark on Ljubljana.

After Second world war Ljubljana is expanding at very fast rate.

Some of greater architecture is from that era.

26th June 1991

Slovenia becomes independent and Ljubljana its capital city. Ljubljana becomes important in international arena, foreign embassies move in. Government expands.