Ljubljana essentials

Basic eats of Slovenia’s capital. A quick photo gallery.

If in Ljubljana, be sure to wander the old town streets, its churches, bridges and the hill castle. For freestyle street art head to Metelkova neighborhood.

Dragon is the city’s symbol. According to local lore, Jason and the Argonauts (of Greek mythology) passed by the nearby marshes and slayed a monster that terrorized the region. This being said, it’s more likely that the dragon motif was simply borrowed from the legend of Saint George, as in countless other locations around Europe. Anyways, it is present in the coat of arms and all around the town.

If in Ljubljana, be sure to try local foods. Slovenia is where the North meets the South and your palate will feel it. Yet undoubtedly, “Central Europe” is the most telling designation you could tag it with.

First, think of German Wurst and Polish kiełbasa. Then, say hello to the equally perfect Kranjska klobasa, or Carniolan sausage (Carniola / Kranjska / Krain is the region in which Ljubjana is located).

The hearty ričet is made of beans and barley. It can be served as either soup or stew. Cured pork is often added. It is also eaten in Austria and Bavaria (and spelled Ritschert in German).

Jota, also know as the Istrian stew, is not a specialty of Ljubjana but of Istria (as well as Trieste in Italy). So, it’s another link between worlds. The ingredients – sauerkraut, turnip and potatoes – are northerly (or, better say, centrally) simple, yet, it has some elusive southern zing to it too.