Kongresni trg

Kongresni trg is one of the central squares in the Slovenian capital, and ever since it was established it has been a place for political conventions, various ceremonies and celebrations, and cultural events. It got its name in 1821 when a congress of the Holy Alliance was held there - which was an event of extreme importance, bringing the Austrian emperor, the Russian czar, the king of Naples and many other European leaders to Ljubljana. Before that event, the square was called Kapucinski trg, while after World War II it was renamed to Trg revolucije (Revolution Square) and then to Trg osvoboditve (Liberation Square). However, after the proclamation of Slovenian independence, it was renamed back to the popular and historic "Kongresni trg".

A historical place

The name changes reflect the dynamic history of the city. Before World War I, Austro-Hungarian military parades took place there and after that, in 1918, there was a magnificent assembly to mark the downfall of monarchy and the establishment of the short-lived State of Slovenians, Croats and Serbs. Kongresni trg was also the square on which the partisan army marched the day of liberation in 1945; a short time after that it was also a setting for Tito's speeches. Moreover, this was the site of famous student demonstrations in 1970 and where numerous milestones before and after the Slovenian independence occurred, including a number of cultural events.

The star-shaped park

The square, which is partly open to its western side, is enclosed by numerous important buildings - the seat of the University of Ljubljana and the Slovene Philharmonic to name just two. There is also a park that dates back to 1824. It was named Zvezda (Star) due to its walking paths in eight directions, creating the shape of a star. This was the first park in the city and quickly it became a focal point of the Ljubljana social scene, especially with the music pavilion that was placed on its northwest side.
A stroll through the park reveals that there is even more to it than just the pleasant shade of trees, convenient benches and the relaxing sound of birds. You can quench your thirst in the water fountain or marvel at the impressively large anchor, called "Sidro", which is a monument of the accession of the Primorska region and Istria to Slovenia and - at the same time - a reminder that Slovenians are also a maritime nation. Other monuments can be spotted in Zvezda Park; there is a replica of the Roman statue called Emonec, depicting a man of that era, and Plečnik's monument to the women's demonstrations against the violence and terror of the Italian occupation.
The image of the square and the park has changed over time; Plečnik's influence, however, remains visible even after the recent renovation. The park had its original image for more than 100 years when the greatest Slovenian architect rearranged its paths, slightly widened the central square and boldly replaced the old chestnut trees with sycamores - a matter of great controversy at the time.

Back to Plečnik

Today, the entire area is divided into three parts: Kongresni trg, Zvezda Park, which is the central city square, and the pedestrian streets on the northern and eastern parts of the area, which have become places to meet and socialise. The remodelled square retains the appearance envisioned by Plečnik more than 80 years ago and has thus become the largest public area in Ljubljana. From now on, it is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists, while cars can rest beneath it in 720 parking places on five levels. Building this garage was the main reason for the renovations.
Some interesting archaeological finds were discovered in the digging processes. They are on display in the museums and galleries of Ljubljana. The renovated square and park was opened to the public on the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Slovenian independence and - according to people - the first impressions of the newly remodelled landmarks are more than favourable.