University of Ljubljana

The University of Ljubljana and its palace

The Ljubljana audio-guided tour has you discover the University palace, standing on Congress Square, on the site of the former residence of the provincial power. It was here that, in 1821, the famous Congress of the Holy Alliance was held, which gave its name to the square.

From the provincial government to the rectorate

After the great earthquake of 1895, the former, severely damaged palace was replaced by a new neo-Renaissance building, completed in 1902. It first housed the provincial government, before becoming, the following year, the rectorate of the very young University of Ljubljana. Founded at the beginning of the twentieth century, it played an essential role in the affirmation of Slovenian culture and language.

What there is to see

The façade takes on the appearance of a classical palace, with its central portal and its careful ornaments, a testimony to the neo-Renaissance architecture of the early twentieth century. Seat of the rectorate, the building embodies the prestige of the university, one of the most important in the region. Its position on Congress Square makes it a major landmark of the centre of Ljubljana.

Practical information

The University palace is on Congress Square, in the heart of Ljubljana. Seat of the rectorate, it cannot be freely visited; its neo-Renaissance façade can be contemplated from the square, along the walk.

When was the University palace completed?

In 1902, replacing the former palace damaged by the 1895 earthquake; it became the rectorate of the university in 1903.

What happened here in 1821?

The Congress of the Holy Alliance was held there, on the site of the former residence of the provincial power, giving its name to the square.