The Triple Bridge, or Tromostovje in Slovenian, is the symbolic heart of Ljubljana. The first stone bridge on the site, the Franciscan Bridge, was built in 1842 by the Italian-Slovenian architect Candido Zulliani on the line of an older wooden crossing, and it links Prešernov trg with Mestni trg. In 1929 Jože Plečnik was asked to widen the crossing for the growing flow of pedestrians, and between 1929 and 1932 he added two side bridges that give the structure its distinctive three-arch fan shape. Their balustrades are lined with concrete columns and lamp posts, and the steps lead down to riverbank terraces. The bridge connects the Old Town with the Prešeren Monument square and is closed to cars, so it works as a pedestrian plaza at all hours. In 2021 the bridge and other Plečnik works were inscribed by UNESCO as 'The Works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana - Human Centred Urbanism'. The view upstream shows the Cobblers' Bridge and the castle on its hill, and the Tourist Information Centre sits next to the bridge on Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Address | Tromostovje, between Prešernov trg and Mestni trg, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia |
Why it matters
The Triple Bridge unites the medieval Old Town and the 19th-century city across the Ljubljanica; architect Jože Plečnik added two pedestrian bridges to the 1842 stone bridge in 1929-1932 and the ensemble is part of his UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Location
Tromostovje, between Prešernov trg and Mestni trg, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
46.0511, 14.5062 View on map
Highlights
- Three parallel bridges: the 1842 stone span and two Plečnik additions of 1929-1932
- Part of the UNESCO-listed Plečnik works in Ljubljana
- Views of the Ljubljanica, the castle and the Cobblers' Bridge
- Direct link between Prešernov trg and the Old Town
- Next to the Tourist Information Centre
Tips for visiting
- Cross at dawn or after dark for a quiet view with lit balustrades.
- Photograph the whole structure from the Cobblers' Bridge or from the Prešeren Monument.
- Pickpockets operate in summer crowds, so keep bags zipped.
- Combine with the Dragon Bridge and the Central Market on a short riverside walk.
- Start a Plečnik trail here, since the bridge is the best introduction to his work.
When to visit
Early morning and evening are quietest; summer evenings bring street musicians.
Accessibility
The bridge is step-free for most of its length, though the steps down to the river terraces are not wheelchair accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the Triple Bridge?
The first stone bridge was built in 1842 by Candido Zulliani, and Jože Plečnik added the two side bridges in 1929-1932.
Can cars cross the bridge?
No. It is a pedestrian zone in the car-free centre.
Is it part of a UNESCO site?
Yes. It is included in the 2021 UNESCO listing of the works of Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana.
Where is the Tourist Information Centre?
On Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 2, immediately beside the bridge.