Triple Bridge and Preseren Square

The Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) and Presernov trg form the hinge of Ljubljana's old town in central Slovenia. The central stone bridge dates from the 19th century, and in the early 1930s architect Joze Plecnik added two pedestrian bridges on either side, with balustrades of white concrete and rows of lamp posts. The result is a wide, fan-shaped crossing of the Ljubljanica river that funnels walkers from the market and castle side toward the square. Presernov trg itself is dominated by the salmon-pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, built in the 17th century, and by the monument to poet France Preseren, whose verse supplied the lyrics of the Slovenian national anthem. Facing the church stand the Art Nouveau Hauptmann House and other early 20th-century facades, and the square also marks the start of the pedestrian streets running toward Mestni trg and the Dragon Bridge. Visitors mostly come to walk across all three bridges, look down the river toward the Plecnik colonnade, and photograph the church and the poet's statue. A full circuit including the square rarely takes more than 30 to 45 minutes, though many people linger at riverside cafes. The best vantage points are the middle of the central bridge looking toward the castle, the embankment steps below the bridges for a low angle on the arches, and the steps of the Franciscan Church for a view back across the square. The area is pedestrian only and open at all times. Crowds are heaviest from late morning to early evening in summer, when tour groups, buskers and cafe terraces fill the square; early morning gives nearly empty photographs, and evening brings lit bridges and a lively promenade. The square is also a traditional meeting point for locals, so it is busy on warm weekend nights. It is a natural first stop in Ljubljana and an easy start for a walking route through the historic centre.