Bridging The Gap - Finale

Back to the Ljubljanica and probably the most famous bridge crossing it. The Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) is one of the best known Plečnik's work. He replaced the existing bridge leading from Prešeren Square to Town Square, and more than that - he constructed three bridges instead of one. The central bridge was intended for the vehicles and the side ones for the pedestrians.

The view from Dragon Bridge. The structure to the left of the picture is The Market - another of Plečnik's masterpieces which spans from Dragon Bridge to Triple Bridge.



The view from the footbridge toward the other side of the Triple Bridge.


A view across Prešeren Square showing one of the side bridges.


Another view, this time showing the central part. The area has been recently closed to traffic and is now a pedestrian zone.


So, this brings another photo challenge to a close. Thank you, Alice. It has been more entertaining than I thought.

Prešeren Square

This is where Čopova Street (the one from the previous post) ends. The square is named after a bard whose statue stands there (of course) and who is considered Slovenian greatest poet. One of his poems, The Toast, has in fact become Slovenian national anthem.

Here's one of his sonnets (from a cycle named Sonnets of Unhappiness) translated into English:-


O'er thee, Misfortune, I have ceased to wail,
I'll utter no reproaches any more.
Thank God, I'm used to griefs thou hast in store
And to the sufferings in life's strong jail.

No burden can now hurt my shoulders frail;
My lips are used to bitter drinks of yore;
My feet, like leather, are no longer sore,
I dread no thorny path, no irksome trail.

Stiff are my limbs and joints as if confined.
My heart, once sensitive, is hard as stone,
The claims of sorrow have subdued my mind.

All fear is fled; with it all hopes have flown.
Should Fate caress or beat me, it will find
Insensibility of flesh and bone.

By the way, that sign at the front of the picture is part of an artsy-fartsy project; above the square, at the end of Čopova Street is installed a device which sprinkles water on the surface below. Somewhat pretentious but quite refreshing on hot days like today.

Another view...

... of Prešeren Square, this time towards Čopova Street.



Matija Čop, after whom the street is named, was a Slovenian linguist and literary historian, and Prešeren's close friend and tutor, directing him into romanticism by his influence. He was extremely educated and spoke 19 (yes, nineteen) languages. The man died in 1835 at an early age of 38 drowning in the river Sava (there are no details to be found as regards the circumstances of his death, but - and this is merely speculation - Prešeren and his companions were known for their boozing and this might have happened after one of those sprees)

Coo, 19 languages! I'd be more than happy if I spoke three or four properly.

A little more about Ljubljana

Well, Ljubljana has a long history. There is evidence of ancient tribes occupying the area long before the Romans put up a settlement called Emona. In 12th century the name Luvigana first appears and in 13th century it is granted city rights.

Since the town is situated in a seismically active area, it has been affected by earthquakes throughout its history. After an earthquake in 1511 it was rebuilt in Renaissance style and in the 17th century Baroque architecture appeared.

Another earthquake hit the city in 1895, and destroyed some 10% of the buildings. Large parts were reconstructed in Art Nouveau style.

So, today the old city is a mixture of different styles and, apart from being the capital of Slovenia, it is also a strong cultural centre.

The pic shows the Prešeren Square situated in the heart of the old town.