Ljubljana walking tour with an art historian & tour guide

My name is Jure Vuga, I am a state-licensed guide since 2010. I hold a Ph.D. in Art History. If you like an infotainment type of tour, that might be a good choice for you.
An Insight into the Fascinating Less Known Ljubljana with an Art Historian

Enjoy strolling around Ljubljana, see the main monuments of a small European Capital, deeply rooted in a millenary history; definitively a small but original civilization, a blend of Slavic, German and Italian influences. I will show you some old maps of the medieval and baroque town and old pictures of some sights. You will find out about fascinating archeological findings, the trade with mercury from the mines in Idrija, the legend about Jason and the Argonauts as founding fathers of Ljubljana, described by Johan Ludwig Schönleben in the 17th century. You will learn about the expulsion of the Jews in 1510, the legacy of the protestant movement, the construction of a church financed by an alchemist, the records of witch charges (maleficium) and punishment methods for dishonest bakers like the ducking stool. In few words, I will present you some great scholars of the past and present like Valvasor, Hallerstein and Žižek. Being a great admirer of the architectural oeuvre of Jože Plečnik, now under UNESCO protection, I will share with you some insights in his renovation of the courtyard of the German Teutonic Order (where he expressed his disapproval of the socialist regime in the crippled red star). I will show you a photo of the so-called Devil’s courtyard with a myriad of convex lamps, positioned on the walls. Next we will visit Plečnik’s National and University Library. Have a look at the magnificent black marble staircase with and hear the explanation about the allegory of spiritual elevation from ignorance to knowledge. I will also introduce you to the events of the Second World War and the following socialist period when in the National Library operated a special department for forbidden ideologically suspicious books (known as fond D) and much more. Having personally done some research, written and published some scientific articles, I will use visual material to introduce you to some fascinating iconographical elements, present in paintings from this territory: like an extremely rare depiction of an automaton from the 15th century.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.