Preseren Square, Ljubljana
Square in Ljubljana
Prešeren Square (Prešernov trg) is where Ljubljana's rhythm feels most alive. This broad, open plaza at the edge of the old town is the place where locals agree to meet “under the statue,” where visitors spill in from the Triple Bridge, and where music, festivals, and everyday life constantly overlap. On any given day you might see buskers playing on the steps, flower vendors brightening the pavements, and people pausing to soak up the colours of the Franciscan Church and the city's graceful townhouses. It is one of the best places to visit in Ljubljana if you want to feel the city's character within a few minutes of arriving.
At the centre of the square stands the bronze monument to France Prešeren, Slovenia's national poet, whose words helped shape the country's language and identity. His statue, gazing across the river toward the figure of his muse, gives the square a deeply symbolic focus that goes beyond simple decoration. Around him, trams glide past nearby streets, cyclists weave through the crowd, and the Triple Bridge funnels people back and forth across the river. With this mix of symbolism, movement, and easy access to the old town and main shopping streets, Prešeren Square is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Ljubljana and a natural anchor for exploring both sides of the city centre.
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History and Significance of Prešeren Square
Prešeren Square has long been a natural gathering point at the junction of important streets and the river crossing. In earlier centuries, this area formed the edge of the medieval town, evolving gradually as bridges were rebuilt, traffic increased, and new buildings rose along the river. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as Ljubljana grew and modernised, the square took on its current shape as a central urban space framed by the Franciscan Church, townhouses, and later Secession-style buildings that reflected the city's links to Vienna and the broader Austro-Hungarian world.
The decision to name the square after France Prešeren and to raise a monument in his honour underlined its importance not just as a traffic junction, but as a symbolic heart of the Slovene nation. Prešeren’s poetry gave voice to the Slovene language at a time when it was still overshadowed by more dominant tongues, and his work now forms part of Slovenia’s national anthem. His statue, unveiled in 1905, turned the square into a place where urban life and national culture meet: a spot where people gather, celebrate, protest, and reflect.
Over time, Prešeren Square has become one of Ljubljana's key stages for public life. Festivals, concerts, rallies, and casual meet-ups all pass through here, and the surrounding architecture tells the story of the city's evolution-from Baroque piety in the Franciscan Church to the modern elegance of Secession buildings and the strong lines of Plečnik's Triple Bridge close by. Standing in the square, you are surrounded by layers of history that still play an active role in daily life.
Things to See and Do in Prešeren Square
The first thing most visitors notice is the vibrant pink façade of the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, with its twin towers and broad staircase facing directly onto the square. It provides a dramatic backdrop for photos and, if you step inside, a quieter space of Baroque altars, frescoes, and devotional art that contrasts with the bustle outside. Even if you only admire it from the square, the church gives the whole space a warm focal point.
At the centre of the square, take time to walk around the France Prešeren monument and look closely at its details. The poet stands on a high plinth, with his muse above, draped in flowing robes and framed by symbolic motifs of creativity and inspiration. This is the beloved “meeting under the statue” spot for locals, so you will almost always see people gathered around it, arranging their next moves or simply watching the flow of the city.
From the edges of the square, you can appreciate the surrounding architecture: elegant townhouses with ornate façades, Art Nouveau details on corner buildings, and the gentle curve of the river just beyond the Triple Bridge. Look for the bronze scale model of Ljubljana, installed in 1991, which lets you see the city in miniature and get your bearings before heading off. From here, streets lead toward the old town, main shopping avenues, and cultural venues; simply choose a direction and you will find cafés, galleries, and side streets that invite you deeper into the city.
How to Get to Prešeren Square
Prešeren Square sits right in the centre of Ljubljana, at the junction of the old town, the Triple Bridge, and key shopping streets. If you are staying anywhere in the central area, you will almost certainly reach it on foot, following the pedestrianised streets toward the river and the distinctive pink façade of the Franciscan Church. The square itself is car-free, making it especially pleasant for walking and people-watching.
If you are arriving by air, you will land at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, about 25 kilometres north of the city, with shuttle buses, public buses, and taxis connecting the airport to the centre in roughly 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ljubljana on Booking.com. Most services drop you within easy walking distance of the square.
Arriving by train or intercity bus, you will come into Ljubljana's main railway and bus stations, which sit next to each other just outside the old town. From there, it is about a 10-15 minute walk along Miklošičeva Street directly to Prešeren Square, or a short ride on a local bus if you prefer a quicker journey.You can easily check schedules and book tickets through the Slovenian Railways. However, for a smoother experience, we recommend using Omio, which simplifies the booking process and lets you compare prices and schedules all in one place.
If you are driving, be aware that the streets around Prešeren Square form part of Ljubljana's pedestrian and low-traffic zone, where private cars are restricted. Plan to park in one of the public garages or car parks on the edge of the centre and then walk into the pedestrian core; this approach makes your visit less stressful and lets you enjoy the riverside and historic streets on the way.
Practical Tips on Visiting Prešeren Square
- Suggested tips: Use the square as your main orientation point-start your day here, decide which direction to explore, and return later to see how the light and atmosphere change.
- Best time to visit: Early mornings are calm and great for photos without crowds, afternoons bring the full buzz of city life, and evenings often feature buskers, events, and a relaxed social scene.
- Entrance fee: Free – Prešeren Square is a public space open to everyone.
- Opening hours: Free – Prešeren Square is a public space open to everyone.
- Official website: https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/poi/presernov-trg-square/
- How long to spend: Plan 20-40 minutes to soak up the atmosphere and take photos, but expect to pass through multiple times as you explore the old town and riverbanks.
- Accessibility: The square is flat, paved, and generally easy for wheelchairs and strollers, though some nearby streets and bridges are cobbled; allow a bit of extra time for moving through busy crowds.
- Facilities: While there are no facilities on the square itself, cafés, restaurants, shops, and restrooms are readily available on the surrounding streets and across the Triple Bridge.
- Photography tip: Shoot toward the Franciscan Church from the river side for a classic view, or from slightly elevated spots nearby to include both the square and the Triple Bridge in one frame.
- Guided tours: Many city walking tours either start or pass through Prešeren Square, making it an easy place to join a guide or orient yourself before exploring independently.
- Nearby food options: Within a few minutes’ walk you will find everything from coffee bars and ice cream stands to sit-down restaurants along the river and in the adjacent streets.
Where to Stay close to Prešeren Square
Staying near Prešeren Square puts you at the very centre of Ljubljana's action, with the old town, Triple Bridge, and riverside promenades just steps away. For a grand, historic option only a short walk from the square, Grand Hotel Union Eurostars offers elegant rooms and easy access to both the train station and the river. Travellers who prefer a contemporary boutique feel right on the riverside might enjoy Vander Urbani Resort, which combines chic interiors with a rooftop terrace and small pool close to the old town. Another practical and comfortable choice within walking distance is City Hotel Ljubljana, well placed for exploring the pedestrian centre while still being convenient for public transport connections.
Is Prešeren Square Worth Visiting?
Prešeren Square is absolutely worth visiting and is effectively impossible to miss if you spend any time in Ljubljana. It is the city's main meeting point, cultural crossroads, and visual introduction all at once, bringing together the monument to France Prešeren, the Franciscan Church, and the entrance to the old town across the Triple Bridge. Whether you come for a quick photo, linger to people-watch, or return multiple times at different hours, the square offers a clear sense of Ljubljana's easy-going, cultured spirit and helps tie together the rest of your explorations.
What Other Travellers Say...
Prešernov trg is a circular pedestrian hub in Ljubljana’s old town where multiple streets converge, making it an ideal starting point for wandering through tiny alleys, riverside cafés and restaurants, and nearby markets; visitors praise its lively atmosphere, festival and event gatherings, scenic views toward the embankment, the Three Bridges and the castle, and public art installations, and recommend strolling or joining a walking tour to learn more.
FAQs for Visiting Prešeren Square
Nearby Attractions to Prešeren Square
- Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) - Jože Plečnik's iconic triple-span bridge linking the square to the old town across the Ljubljanica River.
- Franciscan Church of the Annunciation - Striking pink Baroque church that dominates one side of the square, with an ornate interior worth a brief visit.
- Ljubljana Old Town - Pedestrian streets, riverside cafés, and historic buildings just across the bridge, perfect for wandering and exploring.
- Ljubljana Castle - Hilltop fortress overlooking the city, reachable on foot or by funicular, offering panoramic views and exhibitions.
- Central Market - Vibrant market area a short walk away, with outdoor stalls and covered halls showcasing fresh produce, local foods, and everyday life.
The Preseren Square appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ljubljana!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
Free - Prešeren Square is a public space open to everyone.
Free - Prešeren Square is a public space open to everyone.
Nearby Attractions
- Triple Bridge (Tromostovje) (0.0) km
Bridge - Franciscan Church of the Annunciation (0.0) km
Church - Kresija Palace (0.1) km
Palace - Ljubljana Cathedral (0.2) km
Cathedral - Ljubljana Town Hall (0.2) km
Town Hall - Congress Square (0.3) km
Square - Cankarjevo Riverside (0.3) km
Walk - Vodnik Square (0.3) km
Square - Dragon Bridge (0.3) km
Bridge - Ljubljana Castle (0.3) km
Castle
