Ljubljana’s Dragons in Slovenia

If you want to play a fun game in Ljubljana, you can try counting its dragons. They are everywhere on buildings, signs, statues and bridges. This small but perfectly formed capital city dates back to pre-roman times and has a happy mix of many architectural styles; medieval to Art Nouveau and running through all the styles are the dragons.

In ancient times, the dragon represented power, courage and wisdom. One thread of the Ljubljana dragon story goes back to Greek mythology where Jason and the Argonauts discovered a large lake and marsh on their journey home, and here they defeated a fierce monster. I prefer the medieval version where St George (who seems to appear in most European countries) killed the beast in the 15^th century. St George is the patron saint of Ljubljana Castle and up there your dragon count will rapidly increase. There are dragons on the coat of arms, and the old lamp holders are stylised dragons. You can even have your picture taken with dragon wings if that’s your thing.

Back in the old city centre you will of course come across the famous Dragon Bridge, Zmjski Most. Built in 1900 as a Jubilee Bridge for Emperor Franz Jospeh I, it is Art Nouveau style. The graceful dragons face outwards with open mouths and tails down. Time has changed the statues to a beautiful green and no matter what time of day you can find tourists having their photo taken with the creatures.

The lake and marsh of Jason’s time have long gone, replaced with the graceful Sava River flowing through the centre of Ljubljana and under its many bridges. Along the riverside are numerous cafes offering great food and coffee.

Brave St George is recorded as saving a fair maiden from the human sacrifice the dragon demanded. You would wonder why the symbol got changed from sacrifice and death to power, courage and wisdom but who are we to mess with ancient European legends.

So, when you visit this charming city enjoy the dragons and if you have a chance to count them, I would love to know how many you found.