Park Tivoli (Tivoli City Park), Ljubljana (must see)

Park Tivoli (Tivoli City Park) is the largest public park in Ljubljana, covering about 50 hectares of lawns, flower beds, tree-lined avenues, and woodland. It was created in the early 19th century by combining the landscaped grounds surrounding Tivoli Castle and Cekin Mansion. Engineer Jean Blanchard helped shape its early layout, while architect Jože Plečnik substantially redesigned its central section between 1921 and 1939.

Plečnik’s main contribution was the broad Jakopič Promenade, named after Slovenian Impressionist painter Rihard Jakopič. The white gravel walkway forms part of a visual route linking the park with the historic centre and leads directly towards Tivoli Castle. Its concrete lamp bases and carefully arranged trees create a formal approach to the mansion. Today, the promenade functions as an outdoor gallery, displaying large photographs and other visual works throughout the year.

Tivoli Castle now houses the International Centre of Graphic Arts. Its entrance staircase is guarded by four cast-iron dogs made by sculptor Anton Dominik Fernkorn. All four appear tongueless, inspiring a local legend that Fernkorn forgot this detail. The sculptures were instead based on ancient models in which tongues were not shown. Nearby, Švicarija developed from a popular 19th-century recreational venue with dining, dancing, and social gatherings. The restored building now contains artists’ studios and cultural spaces.

Other features include a greenhouse, rose garden, ornamental pond, playgrounds, cafés, and sports grounds. Walking routes continue beyond the formal gardens into the wooded slopes of Rožnik Hill. Visitors may also see squirrels and numerous woodland birds where the maintained park gradually merges with the forest.