Old Square (Stari Trg)

Square in Ljubljana

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Leon Yaakov

Stari Trg, or Old Square, is a quintessential part of Ljubljana’s historic center, showcasing the city’s Baroque charm and layered architectural history. The square is characterized by winding alleys and intimate streets reminiscent of medieval times, while 19th-century storefronts and grand historicist buildings reflect the city’s Habsburg-era growth. After the devastating 1895 earthquake, Vienna Secession influences began to emerge, subtly blending with the older Baroque and historicist fabric of the area.

Adjacent to the Town Hall, the refined Thalnitscher family house—also known as the Dolničar House—opens a sequence of Baroque residences that range from modest to highly ornate. Among them, number 4 is believed to be the birthplace of polymath Johann Weichard von Valvasor, built in 1637. These buildings illustrate the artistic and cultural aspirations of Ljubljana’s elite during the Baroque period, providing a fascinating glimpse into the city’s urban development.

Visitors exploring Stari Trg will notice particularly detailed façades, such as that of the Schweiger House (No. 11a), completed in 1748–49 from designs by Trieste-born architect Candido Zulliani. The row of Baroque houses continues along the Old Market, gradually leading to Levstik Square, where a replica of Francesco Robba’s 17th-century Hercules Fountain occupies the center. This combination of architectural detail, historic monuments, and lively public spaces makes Stari Trg an essential stop for anyone wandering Ljubljana’s old town.

The Old Square (Stari Trg) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ljubljana!

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