Križanke, 'the Crosses', is a former monastery and commandery of the Teutonic Order, which settled in Ljubljana in the 13th century. After the Order left, the buildings later served non-religious uses and fell into disrepair before Plečnik's conversion. Between 1952 and 1956, Jože Plečnik converted the complex into a summer theatre and festival venue, adding an open-air courtyard with a stage, a wooden roof, the Plečnik pillars and an arcaded entrance, and it has been home to the Ljubljana Festival since 1953. It is one of the largest cultural venues in the city and hosts concerts, theatre and operas every summer. Visitors can walk through the courtyard and see the surviving monastery wings. It is on Trg francoske revolucije, a square named for Napoleon's Illyrian Provinces, and the Illyria Monument stands in front. Križanke forms part of the UNESCO-listed Plečnik works.
| Admission | Free to enter the courtyard; performance tickets vary |
|---|---|
| Hours | Courtyard generally open during the day; performances in the evening (check ljubljanafestival.si) |
| Address | Trg francoske revolucije 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia |
Why it matters
Križanke began as a 13th-century commandery of the Teutonic Order and was converted by Jože Plečnik in 1952-1956 into the open-air theatre of the Ljubljana Festival.
Location
Trg francoske revolucije 1, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
46.0464, 14.5032 View on map
Highlights
- Open-air stage in a Plečnik courtyard
- Former commandery of the Teutonic Order
- Home to the Ljubljana Festival since 1953
- Illyria Monument on the adjacent square
- Part of the UNESCO-listed Plečnik works
Tips for visiting
- Check the Ljubljana Festival programme for summer concerts.
- Walk through the courtyard during the day when it is open.
- Combine with the NUK and the Roman wall.
- Bring a light jacket for evening performances.
- Photograph the pillars in late afternoon light.
When to visit
Summer evenings for performances; daytime for quiet visits.
Accessibility
The courtyard is largely level, though historic sections have uneven stone surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
Who built Križanke?
The Teutonic Order built a commandery in the 13th century, and Jože Plečnik converted it into a theatre in 1952-1956.
What events take place there?
The Ljubljana Festival, held every summer, stages concerts, opera and theatre.
Can visitors enter the courtyard?
Yes, the courtyard is open to visitors during the day, except on performance days.
Is it part of the UNESCO site?
Yes, it is included in the 2021 listing of Plečnik's works.