Jože Plečnik's influence on Ljubljana's cityscape is often seen as a mix of sensitivity and boldness, and he certainly embodied both traits. He took the lead in reshaping squares, fearlessly relocating monuments and reimagining facades. One of his major undertakings was the transformation of Congress Square and the nearby Star Park ("Park Zvezda"), aiming to create a grand focal point for the city. Plečnik laid a grid of light concrete slabs bordered in black, repositioned the Trinity Column to align with the Ursuline Church and the Philharmonic Building, and enhanced it with a row of lamps. This not only heightened the church's prominence but also introduced a new staircase in front of its main entrance. In Star Park, he replaced chestnut trees with plane trees, narrowed pathways, and installed a new fountain. The true impact of his changes can be fully appreciated with aerial or historical photographs.

Originally used for ceremonies during the post-Napoleonic Congress of Ljubljana, the square has been a witness to many pivotal events throughout history. It was here that independence from Austria-Hungarian rule was proclaimed on October 29, 1918, leading to the establishment of the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs. Yugoslav Communist leader Josip Tito delivered a speech facing the square in 1945. A demonstration held here in June 1988 played a part in Slovenia's eventual independence three years later. Even U.S. President Bill Clinton visited Congress Square in 1999. Additionally, there is a memorial site commemorating a significant historical event – namely, an anchor atop a pedestal marking the annexation of the Slovenian coastal region to Yugoslavia in 1954.

Ljubljana's riverside walkway offers an idyllic retreat for a leisurely day out, dotted with cafes and restaurants perfect for soaking in the atmosphere while enjoying some people-watching from their outdoor seating. Prices may have gone up in recent years, but what you're really paying for is the prime location and vibrant ambiance.

Named in honor of Ivan Cankar, the renowned Slovenian poet and writer, this walkway truly comes alive at dusk as the city lights illuminate the scene. It's always bustling with a mix of locals and tourists, making it a lively spot year-round, whether it's day or night. You really can't go wrong strolling along here, with charming spots like Ribji Square featuring a delightful fountain, music, and the mouthwatering aroma of food wafting out onto the streets, all against the romantic backdrop of the river and bridges.

Town Square (Slovene: Mestni trg) is a major square. Ljubljana Town Hall is located at the square. In front of Town Hall stands a copy of the Robba Fountain. Near the square, at Cyril and Methodius Square, stands Ljubljana Cathedral. Opposite Town Hall is the Krisper House, where Julija Primic, the inspiration of the Slovene Romantic poet France Prešeren, was born in 1816. The composer Gustav Mahler lived in the house from 1881 to 1882, when he worked as a conductor at the Carniolan Provincial Theatre at Congress Square.

Initially constructed in the Romanesque style during the 13th century, Saint Nicholas' Cathedral saw numerous renovations before being ravaged by fire in 1469. Its rebirth commenced in the early 18th century, with a complete transformation guided by the vision of the Italian painter and architect Andrea Pozzo. Frescoes by Giulio Quaglio, sculptures by Angelo Putti, and altars by Paolo and Giuseppe Groppelli breathed new life into the edifice, with Francesco Robba contributing an altar in the left transept adorned with angels. This marked the beginning of Ljubljana's Baroque era, setting the tone for the architectural evolution of the city.

The cathedral is recognizable by its octagonal dome crowning its eastern side, while two bell towers grace the western side, adorned with gilded apples containing various relics and inscriptions. These towers, completed in 1705–06, house six bells, including the second oldest one in Slovenia, dating back to 1326. The facades are decorated with niches housing statues of bishops and saints, Baroque frescoes, and ancient Roman tombstones. Other notable features include a side entrance adorned with a Gothic pietà and a sundial dating back to 1826, bearing a poignant Latin motto: "Nescitis diem neque horam" ("You don't know the day or the hour").

In 1996, bronze sculptured doors were installed to commemorate Christianity's 1250th anniversary in Slovenia and the visit of Pope John Paul II. The Slovene Door depicts the country's history, while the Ljubljana Door is decorated with portraits of 20th-century bishops.

Inside, much of the original Baroque splendor remains, including frescoes in the cupola depicting the Holy Spirit and angels, along with depictions of the coronation of the Virgin and the glorification of Saint Nicholas on the dome walls, surrounded by celestial beings.

Built at the outset of the 20th century as part of a broader urban renewal initiative during Ljubljana's time under the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Dragon Bridge is now recognized as a technical marvel, serving as one of the prime exemplars of reinforced concrete bridges. Scholars suggest that the adoption of new technologies like reinforced concrete and innovative static calculations in Ljubljana, instead of Vienna, was due to the relatively minor consequences should they have failed.

The bridge is also hailed as one of the most aesthetically pleasing creations of the Vienna Secession movement; moreover, it was the first such structure in Slovenia to be paved with asphalt and had the third-largest arch in Europe upon completion. The stylistic elements were conceived by Jurij Zaninović, who envisioned the concrete cladding, the balustrades, and the sheet-copper dragon statues, now iconic symbols of the city, standing atop pedestals at each of the bridge's four corners (alongside sixteen smaller dragon statues).

Legend has it that Jason, of Argonauts fame, founded Ljubljana, and he and his crew slew a dragon in the area. Some locals humorously refer to the structure as the "mother-in-law" due to its perceived fiery nature.

The spacious square before the Triple Bridge is like the beating heart of the city – a bustling meeting spot for both tourists and locals, perfect for snapping photos and soaking in the tunes of street musicians. But it's more than just a tourist hotspot; it holds a special significance as the spiritual nucleus of Ljubljana, named after France Prešeren, hailed as Slovenia's greatest poet. Prešeren, whose life spanned from 1800 to 1849, wrote in both German and Slovenian, but it was his Slovenian works, particularly his "Poezije" (Poems) published in 1847, that earned him the title of national poet and spiritual father of Slovenian national consciousness.

In the latter half of the 19th century, Slovenes became the majority in the city's population, gradually shifting the dominance from German to Slovenian. To celebrate this newfound or rekindled Slovenian identity, a bronze monument to Prešeren was erected here in 1905, with the muse of poetry holding a laurel branch above him. A bronze scale model of Ljubljana was installed nearby in 1991.

As you gaze across the pedestrian-friendly square, your eyes are treated to a blend of architectural marvels – from the baroque Church of the Annunciation to the grand buildings reflecting the style of the Vienna Secession. While these structures stand as the cornerstones of Ljubljana's rich history, they also hint at the city's future aspirations, as it vies for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2025.

As a testament to Jože Plečnik's creativity, the Triple Bridge complex stands out as the star attraction of Ljubljana. Plečnik ingeniously added pedestrian bridges on each side of the existing Franz Bridge, but with a twist – they don't run parallel; instead, they angle sharply to it. This unique configuration gives the Triple Bridge its distinctive character, making it the most photographed and iconic symbol of the city. Last spruced up in 1992, it serves as the perfect meeting spot between Prešeren Square and the surrounding pedestrian streets.

The original Franz Bridge has been a fixture since 1842, replacing a vital medieval wooden crossing linking north-western Europe to south-eastern Europe and the Balkans. Plečnik's redesign involved removing the metal railings from the old structure and replacing them with hefty stone balustrades and lamps. Each side bridge features stairways leading to terraces above the Ljubljanica River, where poplar trees enhance the overall aesthetic. With their Venetian-inspired design, the stairways infuse a touch of Mediterranean charm into the scene.

Linking the historic city with the modern, these three bridges offer splendid river views and are surrounded by numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes. Plus, there are free restrooms tucked underneath, a handy tip for visitors.