Ljubljana, Slovenia is a hidden European gem
2010-06-15
Everyone knows the popular tourism destinations in Europe, like Rome and Vienna, but it's unlikely that they have heard of Ljubljana in Slovenia - unless they're close followers of the Slovenian soccer team competing in the World Cup.
That might change soon, according to the New Zealand Herald. Ljubljana is an up-and-coming city that offers the best of some of its more popular nearby neighbors. The city has a storied history, supposedly being founded by the Greek Hero Jason, leader of the Argonauts, who slew a dragon in the area.
That's why visitors will find dragons all around the city, including in some of the architecture. They might want to take a "Dragon Code" tour, a
Da Vinci Code-inspired journey that will help them learn the history of the city.
And what a history it is - at one time occupied by the Romans, Austrians and even Napoleon, the city contains a mix of cultures. Travelers might want to head to a nearby Austrian ski resort after dining on some amazing Italian food in the main city.
Ljubljana was recently under communist control, but its new capitalist government is making tourism a top priority. With nearby natural wonders like Lake Bled, which features an island church, that might be a good plan. If officials have thier way, Ljubljana won't be hidden for long. Travelers should visit before it's swallowed up by the masses.