Dragon Bridge

The Dragon Bridge, emblem of Ljubljana

The Ljubljana audio-guided tour takes you before one of the most emblematic places of the city: the Dragon Bridge. With its four copper creatures of menacing appearance, it has become the essential image of the Slovenian capital.

An engineering feat of 1901

Before it, there was here a simple wooden bridge, known as the Butchers' Bridge. Damaged by the great earthquake of 1895, it was replaced a few years later by this engineering feat inaugurated in 1901: the first large reinforced concrete bridge in Slovenia, covered with asphalt and, at the time, one of the most modern in Europe. Behind its arches hides the technical innovation of the engineer Josef Melan.

What there is to see

At the four corners of the bridge watch the famous copper dragons, which have become the symbol of Ljubljana, found on the city's coat of arms. According to legend, they would beat their tails at the passage of a person with a pure heart. The dragon is inseparable from the identity of the city, and this bridge is its finest showcase, to be photographed from all angles.

Practical information

The Dragon Bridge spans the Ljubljanica, in the heart of Ljubljana, near the central market. It can be crossed freely on foot at all hours and on the level. It is one of the most photographed viewpoints of the city, by day as by night.

When was the Dragon Bridge inaugurated?

In 1901, replacing a wooden bridge damaged by the earthquake of 1895; it was the first large reinforced concrete bridge in Slovenia.

Why dragons on this bridge?

The dragon is the symbol of Ljubljana, present on its coat of arms; its four copper statues watch at the corners of the bridge.