N for Narodna in univerzitetna knjižnica

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or National and University Library, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

N - national library in Ljubljana

It is located in the centre of Ljubljana, between Turjak Street (Turjaška ulica), Gentry Street (Gosposka ulica), and Vega Street (Vegova ulica), in a building designed by the architect Jože Plečnik in the years 1930–31 and constructed between 1936–41. The building is considered one of the greatest achievements by Plečnik. Wikipedia

 “From the twilight of ignorance to the light of knowledge and enlightenment”

The building has a square ground plan and is a massive block with a court. The front façade, oriented toward Turjak Street, was designed as a combination of brick and stone embeddings, some of them archaeological remains from the place. It was modelled in the manner of the Italian palazzo and the handles of the main door end with a little head of Pegasus. The side entrance from the Lord Street is decorated with a sculpture of Moses, created by Lojze Dolinar.

N

Unfortunately we were being guided through the town by a friend so didn’t have a chance to get up close to this unusual building, nor go inside.  So if you have seen the interior I’d love to know what it is like.

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Heyjude

I have lived in the UK for most of my life, but when young I definitely had wanderlust and even ended up living in South Africa for several years which was a wonderful experience. I now look forward to a long and leisurely retirement doing what I like most - gardening, photography, walking and travelling.

22 thoughts on “N for Narodna in univerzitetna knjižnica”

  1. Despite the unusual stone work and ornate roof trims, it somehow manages to look a bit like the local Secret Police H.Q. Jude! Intriguing architecture though, and another insight into Slovenia.
    Regards as always, Pete. x

    1. I know what you mean Pete! I was struggling for N buildings, have Notre Dame, but I’m trying not to be too obvious in my choices. No doubt something else will occur to me later 🙂

    1. I know 😦 But it was a whirlwind tour of the city and there is such a lot of interesting architecture to focus on. I would like to return, maybe in winter for a Christmas Market and to see the mountains covered in snow.

  3. Jude we were in Ljubljana for several days last year before our cycling trip but I don’t remember seeing this building or reading about it. We did not have a guide so sorry I can’t be of more help.

      1. Absolutely. Did you get to Lake Bled when you were there? Perhaps one of the prettiest spots I have seen in my travels.

        2. That’s a great post Jude and awesome photos. Yes there were some very steep cycling in that area of Slovenia however lots of beautiful rolling valleys as well.

  4. Great N, Jude! I like being introduced to new places, as you know. Never been toSlovenia, so can’t help you with the interior of this place 🙂

  6. thank you, you made me remember, that I’ve been in Ljubljana, Slovenia – 1963 – had a very fine day there! listened to little Gypsy kids playing guitar, drank fine mocca, enjoyed the ships in the harbor…

  9. My wife and I had 3 days in Ljublana, most amazing city of car-free, pedestrian-zoned, tourismo. We got inside as far as the lobby, but there’s a 5 euro entrance fee and we were tired & hungry, then got distracted by break-dancing public space performers down the block…and never returned to the library. Next time, for sure!

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