Archeology places the first settlement in this area in the period two thousand B.C.. In the early years of the first millennium, the Romans settled here and their military base, which was known as Iulia Emona, developed in a flourishing city. The city, however, was destroyed during the period of the migration of nations. In 1146 a new settlement appeared at the foot of the hill with a Slovenian name “Ljubljana”. During the 15th and 16th Century the city was besieged by the Turks, however, in the 17th and 18th Century it enjoyed a cultural renaissance.
In 1848, Ljubljana became further established with the completion of the railway line Trieste – Vienna.
Although small in size (300.000 inhabitants), it has much to offer to a visitor. Is sights include historical monuments, archeological sights, museums, the Roamn wall dating back to the Emperor Augustus time and many others. The best way to discover the city is to stroll along the streets and to talk to the locals. One of its points of interest is the architecture of Jože Plečnik. His works include Tromostovje – Tripple Bridge, Čevljarski most - Shoemaker Bridge, Križanke complex, National and University library, food market, Žale cemetery. The Plečnik Musemu in Fužine Castle offers a closer view of the life and work of this outstanding architect.
Ljubljana is also a university city with almost 40.000 students. In the field science we are proud of renowned Institute “Jožef Štefan” and University Institute for Chemistry. Ljubljana has one of the oldest philharmonic orchestras in the world, three symphonic orchestras and variety of professional and amateur theaters. A modern cultural centre called Cankarjev dom (Cankar’s home) is the center of Slovenian cultural happening, besides numerous libraries. In the field of medicine one should mention the Ljubljana Clinical Center, which is well known in the world.
Ljubljana is a city with rich tradition in sport. The Slovenian capital hosted the World Championship in table-tennis, weight-lifting, ice hockey, basketball and European Championship in handball.