Congress Square

Congress Square, a vast esplanade of Ljubljana

The Ljubljana audio-guided tour takes you to Congress Square, one of the most vast in the city. Its name comes from a great diplomatic gathering held there in 1821: the Congress of the Holy Alliance.

The Congress of the Holy Alliance

At that time, the European monarchies were anxious: the French Revolution had shaken the old order and the Napoleonic wars had spread new ideas across the continent. The great sovereigns of Europe therefore met here, in Ljubljana, to organise themselves and defend the monarchical system against the aspirations to freedom that came from France. Since then, the square has remained a major gathering place of the capital.

What there is to see

Lined with prestigious buildings, including the University palace and the Ursuline Church, Congress Square opens onto Zvezda park, its star-shaped tree-lined garden. It is a place of strolling and meeting, which hosts concerts and major events of the city. From there, the gaze also reaches towards the castle perched on its hill.

Practical information

Congress Square is in the heart of Ljubljana, near the old town and Zvezda park. It is a public space freely accessible at all hours and on the level. It regularly hosts concerts and open-air events.

Where does Congress Square's name come from?

From the Congress of the Holy Alliance, a great gathering of the European monarchies held there in 1821.

What is around the square?

The University palace, the Ursuline Church and the star-shaped Zvezda park, in the heart of Ljubljana.