Get update alerts
Locations
- .All Trips
- Art
- Car Culture
- Central America/Caribbean
- Food
- Food Tour
- Pic of the Week
- Sl;ovenia
.All Trips / Europe / Slovenia
Bled Island and Lake Bled, Slovenia
One of the most iconic and photographed islands in Europe is lovely Bled Island, located in Lake Bled.
Bled is a small town that has been a popular tourist destination for some time because it lies on the shore of Lake Bled, home of the only island in Slovenia. The lake is only of moderate size — 2,120 m (6,960 ft) long, 1,380 m (4,530 ft) wide, with a maximum depth of 29.5 m (97 ft) — but it is quite lovely. Bled Island and Lake are well known and photographs are commonly featured in magazines and on travel websites.
Bled Island is usually reached by paying for a seat on a boat known as a pletna — a type of gondola. These canopy-covered boats seat about 20 …
“Pic of the Week”, May 21, 2021: Predjama Castle, Slovenia
There are lots of castles in Europe, but Predjama Castle in Slovenia is different than most. It’s the largest cave castle in the world and is very close to the popular Postojna Cave complex, so you can comfortably visit both sites in one day, as we did.
Predjama Castle was originally built around the 13th century. The castle we see today was constructed in the 16th century by its then owner, an Austrian knight know as Hans Kobenzl. Today the castle is a museum which highlights life in the 16th century. There is a fee for entry to the museum, and to the caves behind it.
What most strikes you when you first see the castle is its picturesque setting against a …
May 20, 2021
Comments Off on “Pic of the Week”, May 21, 2021: Predjama Castle, Slovenia
.All Trips / Europe / Slovenia
Some Street Art from Slovenia
This post contains a few photos of some of the art we discovered while wandering the streets of the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, which I hope you enjoy. The first we encountered was this statue of a bull taken outside of a bank near the apartment where we were staying — shades of Wall Street!
There were an interesting assortment of statues and much that we saw….
(Click on thumbnails to enlarge, right arrow to advance slideshow)
Tagged art, Ljubljana, street art
.All Trips / Europe / Slovenia
As you enter the church you’ll see some interesting murals, as well as the …
Church of St. John the Baptist, Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
One of the most photographed sites in Lake Bohinj is this church. It’s about 700 years old (although it was constructed over several hundred years) and sits at the lake’s outflow, adjoining an attractive stone bridge. The church is an important cultural landmark, but I think the main appeal is its beautiful “picture perfect” natural setting.
The Church of St John the Baptist in this region has a history dating back to the early years of Christianity, but this building was constructed in the Middle Ages. The nave is of Romanesque architecture. The walls and ceilings are covered with 15th- and 16th-century frescoes, some of the oldest in Slovenia.
Entry to Church of St. John the Baptist
As you enter the church you’ll see some interesting murals, as well as the …
Tagged art, Church of St. John the Baptist
.All Trips / Europe / Food / Slovenia
“Pic of the Week”, April 24, 2020: Figovec Restaurant, Ljubljana
Our favorite restaurant in Ljubljana turned out to be the one recommended by the owner of the apartment we were renting. Slovenska Hisa Figovec was only a 5 minute walk away and featured traditional Slovenian food, which is exactly what we wanted to try. We enjoyed their food and service so much we returned for a second dinner during our 3 day stay.
The restaurant is centrally located in a historic inn more than 200 years old, although the restaurant only opened in 2017. The interior is warm and cozy and it is busy, so it’s not a bad idea to make a reservation. During our second visit several large tables in restaurant were occupied by tour groups (Rick Steves), so having had …
Tagged Figovec Restaurant, food, Ljubljana, Slovenian
.All Trips / Europe / Slovenia
Ljubljana’s lovely Baroque Cathedral
The lovely Ljubljana Cathedral (also known as the Church of St. Nicholas) lies in the heart of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The church is near the popular Central Market and the city’s Town Hall.
There has been a church at this site since at least 1262. After the fire of 1361 it was re-built in the Gothic style. That church was burned down in 1469 (by the Moors). A new cross-shaped Baroque church was constructed between 1701 and 1706, although its octagonal dome was not finished until the 1840s. The church is dedicated to the patron and guardian of fishermen and boatmen, St. Nicholas.
Sundial outside the Church of St. Nicholas
The exterior of the church is attractive, although relatively simple, but with 2 bell towers and a distinctive dome. One …
.All Trips / Europe / Slovenia
A Day at Lake Bohinj, Slovenia
Slovenia is a small country that has some big beautiful scenery. Its two most famous lakes are Lake Bled (the more popular) and Lake Bohinj. Lake Bohinj is about an hour’s drive from Ljubljana, the nation’s largest city and capital, and a 30 minute drive from Lake Bled.
There’s a lot to recommend a visit to Lake Bohinj over Lake Bled, although by all means visit both if you have the time. The lakes are separated by only 26 kms of lovely mountain scenery, and it’s easy to drive from one to the other. Bohinj has a more natural setting that Bled, with less development and fewer tourists. It is surrounded by the grand Julian Alps and Triglav National Park (the only national …
Tagged Julian alps, lake, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, mountains, Triglav National Park
“Pic of the Week”, December 13, 2019: Radovljica Chocolate Festival
I was unaware that the small city of Radovljica, home of Slovenia’s famous bee-keeping Museum, was home to a chocolate festival until I saw this piece of street art sitting near the main town square.
I did a little research and found this event is fairly new, starting in 2012. It is held over a weekend in early April of each year, usually on the weekend after Easter. Chocolatiers from all over the country and some from neighboring countries show up and feature their wares. You can buy “tasting” coupons that let you sample the delicious assortment of chocolates. My mouth waters just thinking about it (confession — I am a lover of fine chocolate)
Besides palate tempting displays …
Dec 12, 2019
Comments Off on “Pic of the Week”, December 13, 2019: Radovljica Chocolate Festival
