Franciskanska cerkev

Church in Ljubljana

Franciscan Church Of The Annunciation Ljubljana

Public Domain / Julien Maury

The Franciscan Church of the Annunciation (Franciskanska cerkev) is one of Ljubljana’s most striking landmarks and a defining feature of Prešeren Square. Built between 1646 and 1660, its elegant Baroque façade received a redesign around 1700, blending Corinthian and Ionic capitals for a refined classical touch. The façade is topped with a copper statue of Our Lady of Loretto, the largest Madonna figure in the city, and adorned with additional sculptures in niches depicting God the Father, an angel, and the Virgin Mary. Together, these details create a façade that is both imposing and deeply symbolic.

Stepping inside, visitors encounter a richly decorated Baroque interior that reflects centuries of artistry and devotion. The main altar, designed by Francesco Robba, stands as the church’s most celebrated feature, showcasing the Italian sculptor’s signature style and mastery of detail. Adding to the sense of reverence is the glass coffin of Saint Deodatus, a bishop from France whose relics were brought to Ljubljana. The frescoed vaults, destroyed during the 1895 earthquake, were later carefully restored in the 1930s by Matej Sternen, giving the ceiling its luminous and expressive paintings that can still be admired today.

What makes the Franciscan Church particularly memorable is its iconic color. Painted in red by the Franciscans to symbolize their order, the hue gradually faded over time into a distinctive salmon pink that locals embraced. This warm shade sets it apart from surrounding buildings and adds to the square’s charm, ensuring that the church is not only a place of worship but also an architectural and cultural emblem of Ljubljana.

The Franciskanska cerkev appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ljubljana!

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