PR! Issue #6 (Spring/Summer 2011)

N e Sp ws rin let te g r / Su for Tr m a m er vel 20 Tr ad 11 e Pr of es si on al s

pr!

a perfect rendezvous

Euromarkt d.o.o., Letališka c. 26, Ljubljana, ww.citypark.si; foto: iStockphoto, Franci Virant

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Buy Urbana Online 10% Off Urbana – Ljubljana Tourist Card is a city pass offering the best way to explore the capital. Being a combined ticket to Ljubljana’s major sights, it enables visitors to explore the city in a comfortable way and at the lowest possible cost. The pass is available at a 10% discount if purchased online at www.visitljubljana.si/en.

Tour of Plečnik’s Ljubljana Jože Plečnik (1872-1957) is considered to be one of the leading pioneers of modern architecture.

His oeuvre left a distinct mark on three central European cities: Vienna, Prague and Ljubljana.

His creations in Ljubljana, his birthplace, are so prominent that the so called Plečnik’s Ljubljana ranks as one of the 20th century’s most important total works of art. To book a walking tour including Plečnik’s major works in the centre of Ljubljana, fill in the form at www.visitljubljana.si.

Photo: Tomo Jeseničnik

New Ljubljana City Guide A new Ljubljana city guide has been launched by Ljubljana Tourism earlier this year. The guide provides all the information needed for planning a city trip to Ljubljana, including that on accommodation, sights and attractions, the city’s history, guided tours, cultural offerings available from museums, galleries, festivals and theatres, restaurants, shopping, recreational

opportunities, children’s attractions, entertainment, nightlife and other practical tips. The guide contains recommendation lists supported by a fully updated city map showing locations.

Also included is a map of bus routes in Ljubljana. The guide’s format allows plenty of space for photographs capturing the atmosphere of the city. The new

guide will be published in seven different languages including Slovenian, English, Italian, German, French, Spanish and Russian.

It is available free of charge from all Ljubljana’s Tourist Information Centres and as a downloadable PDF file from the Visit Ljubljana web portal at www.visitljubljana.si.

New Promotional Film on Ljubljana Ljubljana has a new promotional film entitled Letters from Ljubljana.

The film tells a story about how people of different generations experience the city and share their experiences with their friends and loved ones. The city is presented in the writings of a foreign student named Ana, a French architectural photographer named Pierre, who works on a project in Ljubljana, and a retired lady named Mojca, who has lived in Ljubljana for her entire life.

The film, which is six minutes long and is in English, takes the viewer on a tour of the city’s beauty spots and attractions as seen through the eyes of the three protagonists, each using a different medium of communication to relate their experiences.

The new film aims at the general promotion of Ljubljana as a leisure and business destination. It is available for viewing at www.visitljubljana.si.

Dragon Souvenir from the Dragon City For those wishing to take a little something of Ljubljana home with them, the TIC Ljubljana Shop offers a wide assortment of souvenirs and small works of art. They reflect the characteristics of Ljubljana by combining the city’s arts and crafts

tradition with modern design. The most authentic of them are branded as Souvenir of Ljubljana.

Particularly worth mentioning is one of the shop’s most popular souvenirs, the Ljubljana Dragon.

The Dragon Assortment depicts the

A Perfect Rendezvous, newsletter for travel trade professionals Publisher: Ljubljana Tourism, Krekov trg 10, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. Phone: +386 1 306 45 83, Fax +386 1 306 45 94, e-mail: info@visitljubljana.si, www.visitljubljana.si; Editorial board: Petra Stušek, Tatjana Radovič, Barbara Vajda; Cover Photo: D. Wedam Production: Mediamix, Maribor; Head of advertising: Anja Birsa, Mediamix. Phone: +386 (0)2 235 05 61, e-mail: anja.birsa@mediamix.si.

Printed by: Schwarz d.o.o.

Spring / Summer 2011 • Committed to caring for the environment, we print on recycled paper.

adventures of a little dragon named Ljubo. The added value of the products is their neat packaging, including a short summary of the legend about the Ljubljana Dragon. www.visitljubljana.si

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Tivoli Underpass as an Icon

Photo: J. Eržen

Celica Hostel Wins Hoscar

Among 582 applicants the European Foundation for Landscape Architecture has chosen Tivoli Underpass together with other 38 projects to be presented in the Landscape Architecture Europe 2008-2010. By creating multi-purpose urban space, the ProstoRož Association managed to bring the Tivoli Underpass back to life. The space can serve as a park, street, walking area, playground or venue. www.landscapearchitectureeurope.com

Ljubljana Castle, Symbol of Ljubljana

The Ljubljana prison-turned-into-hostel Celica ranks among the world’s best accommodation.

This year, it was presented the Hoscar Award, the most prestigious of its kind in the world.

The Hoscar Awards, now in their 9th year, are annually presented by the largest hostel booking website, Hostelworld.com. The winners were chosen on the basis of remarkable one million customers’ ratings who booked their stay with Hostelworld.com in 2010. Celica Hostel is well-rated among the customers and also among the travel and tourism professionals, not to mention that recently Los Angeles Times ranked it among the most extraordinary hostels in the world. www.souhostel.com

The Castle underwent several changes, as the purposes of its use were various and many. Nevertheless, it has always been considered a symbol of Ljubljana, together with Ljubljana Dragon.

All Year Around, All Paths Lead to the Castle …

In 1905 the mayor of Ljubljana, Ivan Hribar, bought the Ljubljana Castle from the provincial government.

Thus, the castle became a city property. After several decades, in December 2010, the Municipality of Ljubljana decided to establish the Ljubljana Castle public company, which among several other activities also operates the funicular and holds the permanent exhibition on Slovenian history. Joint management of these activities was also the main reason to establish an independent public structure.

A medieval fortress, enticing with its new look, is the cultural centre of Ljubljana.

It attracts both, foreign and Slovenian visitors, and is thus one of the most popular tourist destinations in Slovenia.

Throughout the year, the Castle hosts various events ranging from modern art exhibitions

by Slovene and foreign authors to events promoting preservation of cultural heritage. The entrance fee of 6 € includes a return ticket for the funicular; entrance to the Virtual Museum, where you can make a 3-D journey through the history of Ljubljana from ancient times to the 20th century; entrance to the permanent exhibition on Slovenian History, and last but not least: an access to the Viewing Tower, the highest

Ljubljana Castle and Old Town from Above; Photo: P. Hieng

point of the Castle, which offers splendid views over the city and its surroundings. If you are intrigued by the Castle and want to hear more about its tales and legends, the entrance fee of 8 € also includes a guided tour of the premises.

All year around, Castle halls and premises can be rented

Museum Summer Night

The Museum Summer Night is a traditional yearly event organized by museums, galleries and other exhibition sites. For this occasion, sites are open from early morning until midnight.

On Saturday, 18 June, museums and galleries will turn into places of leisure, relaxation and fun – an ideal opportunity to enjoy culture to the fullest. All cultural institutions will be open until midnight, allowing you to admire collections and special exhibitions. In the morning and afternoon, special workshops

for children and families will be organized, leading up to an incredibly lively evenings: additional workshops, guided tours, openings, projections, films, shows, lectures, special social events and much more.

Entrance to all events is free.

Next to Ljubljana, the events take place also in 30 other

Slovenian towns. More than 60 cultural institutions participate in the project, with the majority situated in the capital. Visitors of all age groups can enjoy in over 200 events. www.muzejska-noc.si Meta Stvarnik National Gallery; Photo: D. Wedam

for business, protocol or other events. The halls available for rent are the Palatium, the Estate Hall and the Surrounding Hall, the Lady’s Chambers in the Frederick’s Tower, the Pentagonal Tower, the Courtyard and the White and Blue Halls. www.ljubljanskigrad.si Janja Rozman Raubar

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Ljubljana Orchid & Prešeren Rose In the restored glasshouse in Tivoli Park a large number of roses has been put on display. Among 250 new ones, planted this year, also Prešeren Rose can be found - named after the greatest Slovenian poet, France Prešeren.

Photo: J. Bavcon

Between 20 and 25 April, various types of orchids, which are famous for special shapes and colours of the flowers, will be put on display there.

International orchid exhibition also features Ljubljana orchid, grown by the crossing of different types of orchids. This Phalaenopsis orchid genus is the result of at least seven generation crossings, which means that it has had about a 50-year history.

Ljubljana Bike vs. City Bike

Ljubljana is to be placed on the map of European cycling capitals.

Since May 2011 the locals and visitors to Ljubljana will have access to an economic, fast and environmentally friendly means of transport.

As an alternative to vehicles, cycling will complement the existing public transport system of Ljubljana.

Many tourists and travellers opt to explore new destinations by bike. This enables them to experience places in a slightly different way and on their own.

A bicycle is not only a means of transport; it is simply the fastest and the most independent way of moving around the area.

Additionally, it contributes to clean environment and our physical condition. The essential advantage of using bicycles as a City Experience by Bike; Photo: K. Žontar

means of transport is that they are easy to hire and affordable.

Since May 300 City Bikes can be hired from one of the 30 docking stations scattered around Ljubljana. The first sixty minutes of hire are free of charge, since the main idea behind this concept of bicycle hire is to encourage people to hire a bike for a single ride at a time, not for a longer period. When needed, one can easily hire another bike from the docking station. A service user can choose between annual or weekly subscription. The latter is

Photo Exhibition on the Banks of Ljubljanica Nicely arranged banks of the Ljubljanica River create a charming atmosphere and have thus become a popular meeting place in Ljubljana. Along the river promenade sites, the Krakovski nasip embankment has been turned into a lively open-air venue presenting beautiful photographs, which are closely interwoven with the surrounding treetops, lawns, hedges, wood paving and loungers. www.visitljubljana.si

meant especially for tourists. www.ljubljana.si Next to the City Bike, visitors to Ljubljana can still hire Ljubljana Bikes. The system is a bit different, though: one can find bike-hire points on several different locations in the city centre, among them also in Slovenian Tourist Information Centres and in hotels. For 5 € a day, tourists can hire a bike and explore Ljubljana on their own. www.visitljubljana.si Špela Golčer

The Cloud Arrangers

A hot summer day in Tivoli Park, you are in search of a shade: stroll down the Jakopič Promenade and discover the Open-Air Gallery along the way. The Cloud Arrangers, a retrospect exhibition by Slovene photographer Žiga Koritnik, waits for you there in the summer.

The work of Slovenian photographer Žiga Koritnik is all about passion for jazz and photography. Since 1987 his job as a music photographer has involved a lot of travelling and visits to jazz festivals at home and abroad. His main idea has been to capture the atmosphere of the concerts in his photographs.

Together with the US Embassy, Koritnik has put on display 120 black and white large-format photographs from different parts of the world at the Jakopič Promenade. The retrospect exhibition will be held until the end of July. This is Koritnik’s first larger exhibition,

which includes his finest photographs from the beginning of his career up to present day and portrays the greatest jazz and modern improvised artists and world music scenes.

The photographs have already been presented in foreign and Slovene music magazines, on CDs, posters and festival adverts.

The motives presented in the photos vary greatly, revealing scenes of concerts, musicians on stage, and glimpses from behind the stage… However, the place of honour remains reserved for African musicians, who are especially dear to the photographer. Photographs prove that despite the distance

a photograph can bring to life genuine emotions experienced by the listeners and the magical atmosphere evoked by the musicians – The Cloud Arrangers.

The Open-Air Gallery is the only gallery where entrance is free of charge all day and night

long. At night, the photographs are lit, thus offering a wonderful experience when walking through the largest park in Ljubljana, Tivoli Park, which lies right at the heart of the city. www.visitljubljana.si Špela Golčer

Ron Carter, Skopje Jazz Festival 2008; Photo: Ž. Koritnik

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Spotted by Locals

Spring Concerts

Spotted by Locals is a multi-awarded network of city bloggers, named ‘Best Group-Authored Travel Blog’ by Lonely Planet in 2009. The network consists of the locals in 33 different European cities, including Ljubljana, who write blogs about their favourite restaurants, clubs, bars, parks, shops, etc. The latest from Spotted by Locals is the first ever series of European city guides available offline as iPhone apps and downloadable PDFs. www.spottedbylocals.com

Photo: Zavod Tivoli Archive

This spring, Ljubljana has hosted concerts by the Brazilian superstar Gilberto Gil, the Irish band God Is an Astronaut, and the British producer and DJ Bonobo. The electronica artist Moby will give a concert in May, and Sting, accompanied by a symphony orchestra, and the legendary ‘90s hip-hoppers Arrested Development in early June. www.visitljubljana.si

SEMenj Arts and Crafts Fair

New dimensions are being added to the open space in front of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum.

While in the past the area was mainly trodden by heavy military boots, it is now turning into a point of convergence for artists, artisans, and visitors from home and abroad.

Pottery Handcrafts; Photo: T. Janovljak

Since January this year, the open area in front of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum has been hosting the SEMenj arts and crafts fair. The fair, held every last Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. to

6 p.m., brings together various artisans, who demonstrate their crafts to visitors. Participating artisans are not only masters of their crafts, but also bearers of useful knowledge that has been passed from generation

to generation of Slovenian craftsmen. They are reminders of days long gone and the traditions that have died out in many places. For this reason, the revival of their activities in the centre of Ljubljana is even more important.

During this winter, the pottery wheel was being spun, the shuttle was being passed through the shed of a weaving loom, lace bobbins were being manoeuvred deftly, carvings were being made, beehive panels were being pained, embroideries were being stitched, the traditional ‘pisanice’ Easter eggs, characteristic of Bela krajina region, were being decorated, bast baskets were

being woven, and the chisel was being wielded. Visitors to the fair were able taste traditional herbal tea mixtures and savour hand-decorated honey cookies. The SEMenj fair, whose name, beginning with the acronym of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum, is the archaic Slovenian word for “fair”, is always accompanied by a programme of themed children’s workshops.

Get to know the traditions of our grandmothers and grandfathers. Visit the SEMenj fair on the last Sunday of the month, when admission to the Slovene Ethnographic Museum is free. www.etno-muzej.si Tjaša Janovljak

Lectarija

Lectarija is perhaps the least known project by unquestionably the best known Slovenian architect, Jože Plečnik.

Jože Plečnik had a remarkably positive attitude towards tradition, so it is not surprising that in 1938-1939 he responded to the request to draw the plans for the interior of a shop that was going to sell traditional arts and crafts products. The shop, called Lectarija and located in hired premises in Ljubljana’s central Kongresni trg square, was opened in 1940 by Henrieta and Robert Freyer. In a period when Fascism was on the rise, the Freyers tried to establish a shop to suit the taste of the nationally minded Slovenian bourgeoisie.

They sold traditionally decorated gingerbread, honey cookies and beeswax products, pottery from Ribnica and Prekmurje, Idrija and Lepoglava lace, embroideries from Bela Krajina, wood-turned and painted plates, bowls, caskets and coffers, and wrought iron products. Designs for candlesticks, Christmas cribs, Christmas trees, Easter egg holders, caskets and other products were commissioned from Jože Plečnik and his pupils.

The Lectarija shop was run by the Freyers until 1948, when it was nationalized, until 1991.

Slovene Ethnographic Museum Shop; Photo: T. Janovljak

Despite being protected cultural heritage, its furnishings were left to decay until the Freyers’ descendants donated them to the Slovene Ethnographic Museum. After that, they were carefully restored and properly

preserved. At the end of 2004 they were given a new life in the Slovene Ethnographic Museum’s shop, a reconstruction of the original Lectarija. www.etno-muzej.si Tjaša Janovljak

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New yet Old Fountain

Fontain in Centre of Ljubljana; Photo: D. Wedam

Since recently, the reconstructed Novi trg Square boasts a restored and newly composed Baroque fountain, which was originally erected in the renowned Turjak Gardens. In 1710, the fountain was bought by merchant Schellenburg, who used only a third of it and then moved it to the Ursuline convent garden. In the mid-20th century, architect Boris Kobe used the second third of the fountain and set it in the Novi trg square, where it functioned as a well. Today, after 300 years, all three parts of the fountain have been put together and restored to their former glory in the Novi trg square.

Spectacular Reopening of Kongresni Trg Square

The square, which witnessed major historic events of the 19th and 20th centuries, has undergone major reconstruction works.

Beneath, new underground garage has been built.

Recreational March and Threesomes Run Experience the recreational side of Ljubljana; head for a stroll along the 35 km recreational and hiking path. It runs along the barb wire fence which surrounded Ljubljana during World War II, between 1942 and 1945. It is a unique natural and cultural monument in one, the biggest of a kind in Europe.

To commemorate the Liberation on May 9 1945, a big sports event takes place every year, on a Saturday which is closest to the date. If participating in the march, one can choose from paths of different lengths. The same goes for the Run of Threesomes: you can choose between 12 or 28 kilometre path.

This year, the event will take place on May 7. www.visitljubljana.si

Youth at Kongresni trg Square; Photo: D. Wedam Celebration of Collaboration; Photo: Timing Ljubljana Archive

From the very beginning, milestone events have taken place in the Kongresni trg square. When constructed in 1821 for the Holy

Alliance Congress, the Austrian emperor and the Russian czar met there. Furthermore, several military parades, rallies and demonstrations

took place, marking historic events of the Slovenian nation, such as the disintegration of Yugoslavia and Slovenia’s Independence.

Many important figures urged crowds here; among them former presidents Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia) and Bill Clinton (USA).

Several spectacular events already took place there, several are yet to come, with the first set starting in June 2011, with reopening celebrations. On July 3, a grand concert will take place,

with conductor Valerij Gergiev and 1030 other musicians performing Mahler’s Eighth Symphony, commemorating the 150th anniversary of Mahler’s birth and the 100th anniversary of his death and also the 20th anniversary of Slovenian Independence. Slovenian and Croatian Philharmonic Orchestras will perform there; over three thousand seats and plenty of standing room will be available. www.visitljubljana.si Tjaša Janovljak

New on Ljubljana’s Menu Recently, several new restaurants and other food-

service establishments of various kinds have opened in Ljubljana.

Lovers of healthy, organic food should go to Fejstmeni located at Cankarjeva 6, with wide selection of fruit and vegetable salads, stews, soups, sandwiches and desserts. www.fejstmeni.si If you fancy Japanese, Moy Sushi, a newly opened Japanese restaurant in the Mestni trg square offers Japanese

Restaurant Valmarin; Photo: R. Kverh

specialties in a typical Japanese minimalist ambience. www.moysushi.com You can taste flavours of Africa in Kalabaš, a new African restaurant in Trubarjeva ulica street. www.kalabas.com Seafood lovers should head to Valmarin, excellent fish and seafood restaurant, located in Gornji trg square, where seafood specialties from Slovenian coastline and superb Mediterranean dishes are served. www.valmarin.si

The Hiša Marica wine cellar at Trubarjeva ulica street 52 offers top quality wines from the Belica wine cellar and a wide selection of home-made delicacies and other traditional local specialties, such as homemade Karst Prosciutto ham and salami. www.kaval-group.si A must for pastry lovers: Lolita, a new patisserie with stylish and sophisticated interior, located on the Ljubljanica Embankment. www.kaval-group.si Špela Golčer

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Exodos Festival

Photo: Exodos Archive

The 17th Exodos festival, held from 15 to 24 April, will bring together contemporary dance and theatre artists from around the world, including the famous Belgian multidisciplinary artist Jan Fabre, this year’s festival selector, who is famous for his words “Immortality is achieved through the mortality of the body”. The festival will also include 20 performances as part of the 10th Balkan Dance Platform. www.exodos.si

A Very Special Park April will see the opening of a maze park on the outskirts of Ljubljana city centre. Visitors to the park, called Labyrinth of Art, will be able to walk through a maze of 287 yew trees, read verses about art, books and life scattered along the path, and enjoy books in a peaceful reading nook set up in the centre of the maze. www.labirint-umetnosti.si

Photo: Exodos Archive

Ljubljana Festival 2011

The Ljubljana Festival is one of the most important festivals in Europe. Hosting a large number of prestigious world-class events, it adds significantly to the cultural vibrancy of Ljubljana and the city’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.

For the 59th time in a row, the summer months in Ljubljana will be marked by a large number of prestigious cultural events as part of the annual Ljubljana Festival, this year held from 3 July to 7 September.

The whirl of music, dance and theatre will start spinning on 3 July, with a grand opening concert featuring Gustav Mahler’s Symphony of a Thousand performed by over a thousand musicians in the square in front of the Slovenian Philharmonic Building. The concert, marking the birth and death anniversaries of the famous composer Gustav Mahler, who spent some time living and working in Ljubljana, will be performed by the Slovenian and Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestras, 18 choirs from Slovenia and Croatia, and eight soloists under the baton of the charismatic conductor Valery Gergiev.

Another event offering an unforgettable experience will be a concert by the Orchestra Filarmonica della Scala under the conduction of the famous Daniel Harding (11 July).

Theatre lovers will surely enjoy the production Twilight of the Gods, directed by Tomaž Pandur (12-14 July). Opera highlights will include the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre’s performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s Otello (6 September), a concert of opera arias performed by the tenor Joseph Calleja, and a performance of Jacques Fromental Halévy’s excellent opera La Juive (7 September), which will close the festival.

The lovers of ballet will be able to enjoy Boris Eifman’s ballets Onegin Online and Don Quixote (29-30 August) and Maurice Béjart’s ballet pieces Bolero, What Love Tells Me and The Firebird performed by Béjart Ballet Lausanne to the

Festival Ljubljana, Bolero; Photo F. Paolini

accompaniment of the Slovenian Philharmonic Orchestra (6-7 July).

Other festival highlights will include several performances of the legendary musical Hair (2225 August), concerts by Gilberto Gil (26 July) and Al di Meola (4

July), and a performance by the Russian Cossacks (28 July).

The Ljubljana Festival programme of events is available from the website at www.ljubljanafestival.si. Online tickets will be on sale in May.

June in Ljubljana Festival 2011

June in Ljubljana Festival; Photo: D. Wedam

Apart from the prestigious Ljubljana Festival, the summer of 2011 will see another wellestablished festival, known under the name of June in Ljubljana. Being the largest open-air festival held in Ljubljana city centre to offer a programme of top quality cultural events free of charge and representing an important addition to the city’s vibrancy, the June in Ljubljana festival is well received by local audiences and attractive to visitors from home and

abroad.

The June in Ljubljana festival will open on Friday 10 June.

Until 23 June, its closing date, it will host over 60 free cultural events held in the centrally located Prešernov trg square.

The events taking place in the morning will be particularly intended for children, afternoons will be reserved for light dance and music performances, and evenings for top quality dance, theatre and music events.

From 10 to 12 June, the

stage of the June in Ljubljana festival will host the famous Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz and TanzTheaterMünchen’s production of Romeo and Juliet, and from 13 to 14 June their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Other festival highlights will include several performances by the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Ljubljana and the City Theatre of Ljubljana’s production of the famous musical Cabaret. www.ljubljana.si

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52nd Ljubljana Jazz Festival

Jan Garbarek; Photo G. Antley

From 29 June to 2 July, evenings and nights will be marked by concerts of established and rising jazz stars from Slovene and international stages: Charles Lloyd Quartet, Maria João, William Parker, Zlatko Kaučič, Mia Žnidarič Quintet and many others. The festival began in 1960 as a means of presenting Slovene classic jazz bands and evolved through the years into a connoisseur event, brimming with modern jazz creativity. Year after year, famous jazz artists lure Slovene and foreign jazz fans to Ljubljana. www.cd-cc.si

News from National Gallery The Fading of an Age exhibition, on display until end-May 2011, for the first time geographically and historically delineates the lavish creativity of Slovene Baroque in midSlovenia. Furthermore, the newest acquisitions of the Art Fund from the period 2000-2010 are also displayed for the first time in the new wing from 14 June to 16 October. www.ng-slo.si/en

For World Music Fans

According to the Songlines magazine the Druga godba music festival again ranks among world’s 25 best international music festivals.

This year, the 27th international music festival Druga godba returns in a new, more attractive appearance, launching in March and lasting until late autumn. The main events take place from 7 to 14 May, with the main venues being the Cankarjev dom cultural and congress centre and Kino Šiška Centre for Urban Culture. At the official opening musically

talented paraplegics on tricycles, who have impressed the world and sold out concerts, will perform. Eight-memberband Staff Benda Bilili from the Democratic Republic of Congo consists of street musicians, disabled persons and abandoned children, who create exciting dance music, fusion of rumba, R&B, funky, reggae and Cuban music. Their message is

simple: “Disability is not in the body, but in the mind”. More information can be found on www.drugagodba.si and www. kinosiska.si. Other performers at the festival are Moroccan singer Hindi Zahra, Damir Imamović (Bosnia), Mor Karbasi (Israel) and several other top musicians from different backgrounds and music traditions. Špela Golčer

Hindi Zahra; Photo Druga godba Archive

»Ancient Greeks in Croatia« in Ljubljana An exhibition on the ancient Greeks’ earliest contacts with and colonization of the east Adriatic coast will be on view at the City Museum of Ljubljana until 30 May 2011.

Exhibition in City Museum; Photo: MGML Archive

The exhibition is the culmination of over two decades of efforts by a team of experts at the Galerija Klovićevi dvori gallery in Zagreb, Croatia. The 266 outstanding artefacts on display, brought together from 33 different museums and private collections in Croatia, represent some of the most important and beautiful objects dating from the 12th to the 1st century BC. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the Croatian

Apoxyomenos, one of only eight known ancient Greek statues of an athlete cleaning his body after exercising, found in 1998 by a tourist diving off the southeastern coast of the island of Lošinj. Outside Croatia, the statue has previously only been exhibited in Florence.

The Ljubljana exhibition provides information about the statue’s discovery, analyses, studies and restoration and includes a so called ‘mouse

corner’ for children, as the remains of a rodent nest (probably a mouse nest) dating from around 20 BC were found in the statue’s left forearm.

The exhibition is arranged chronologically. Its introductory section includes maritime objects such as amphorae, anchors and cauldrons. The second section covers the period before the Greek colonization of the Adriatic coast and mainly includes gift and trade objects. The third

The Body in Play

section is dedicated to the colonization of the Dalmatian islands of Vis, Korčula and Hvar.

The last section, themed on life beyond death, brings together finds from burial grounds, including tombstones bearing inscriptions in Greek. Also on view are various artefacts related to mythology, religion and art, which include a 4th century portrait of Artemis found on the island of Vis. www.mgml.si Meta Stvarnik

Tone Stojko, one of the foremost Slovenian photographers, renowned for his outstanding achievements in photojournalism and theatre, portrait and fine art photography, will be showing his latest series of 80 almost abstract colour photographs of female nudes in movement at the Galerija Jakopič from 21 April to 3 July. www.mgml.si

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Mons Hotel, Organic & International

New Hotel Coming Soon

Mons Hotel and Congress Centre pays a special attention to healthy ingredients as a basis for their cuisine. Both the free-flow and a la carte restaurants feature a selection of eco-certified products and dishes prepared with organic produce. The property has also recently joined the Partner Hotel Program of HelmsBriscoe, the global leader in Meeting Procurement.

Photo: Hotel Mons Archive www.hotel.mons.si

The city centre is soon to see the opening of Cubo Hotel, a small boutique property due to welcome its first guests in June 2011. Following a total renovation of the original 1930’s building, the hotel will feature 26 rooms combining top comfort and cool design, plus a gourmet restaurant. More in the next issue of PR! www.hotelcubo.com

Quality Rather than Quantity

Ljubljana Quality Selection is a well established trademark used by Ljubljana Tourism to identify high quality restaurants and small shops in Ljubljana. The trademark enables easier recognition of quality establishments and promotes the awareness of the necessity to provide quality products and services. All the establishments are assessed by anonymous inspectors. can be enjoyed in an ambience reminiscent of an Italian piazza. www.piazza.si If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss Čokoladni Atelje Dobnik (Trg republike 1), the winner in the category of cake shops, whose innovative menu offers an exquisite selection of chocolate delights. www.cokoladniatelje.si

Skrina Arts and Crafts Shop; Photo: T. Jeseničnik

Food is not only a basic requirement of life; when properly prepared, it can provide immense pleasure. In 2010, Ljubljana’s highest rated fine dining restaurant was Maxim (Trg republike 1), which offers top-quality international and Slovenian cuisine and a fine selection of premium wines from home and abroad. www.maxi.si/maxim The winner in the category of traditional ‘gostilna’ restaurants serving exclusively Slovenian cuisine was Gostilna na Gradu (Grajska planota 1), a homely restaurant housed in the idyllic Ljubljana Castle and offering traditional Slovenian fare prepared from healthy organic ingredients. www.nagradu.si The winner in the category of restaurants serving various national cuisines was Shambala (Križevniška ulica 12), where top-class Asian fusion food can be savoured in an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

The restaurant has a green summer

garden and is well known for its wide selection of fine wines. www.shambala.si On the southern outskirts of Ljubljana, you will find the restaurant Pr’Noni (Cesta v Gorice 1), the highest rated restaurant serving international cuisine. Its name, translating as ‘At Grandma’s’, tells a lot about its homely feel and exquisite seasonal choice of local and Mediterranean dishes. nona.copia.si

The Ljubljana Quality Selection inspectors also assessed Ljubljana’s small specialized shops and arrived at the conclusion that the choice on offer is getting better every year. The highest rated arts and crafts shop was Skrina (Breg 8), with its attractive choice of well displayed goods. www.skrina.si The winner in the category of food stores and groceries was Kraševka (Ciril-Metodov trg 10), which brings together a wealth of gastronomic delights from around the country.

Visitors to this pleasant shop are

welcomed as if they have arrived at a country estate where they are proudly shown the produce and invited to have a taste. www.krasevka.si The Ljubljana Quality Selection Commission has also noted that an increasing number of quality shops are opening in Ljubljana Old Town, that the lower end of the Miklošičeva cesta street is turning into the city’s most prestigious shopping area, and that the nearby Tavčarjeva ulica street is becoming a distinctive shopping street.

The Ljubljana Quality Selection trademark is an award for remarkable dedication necessary for providing excellent goods and services. Whether it is food preparation or selection of goods for sale, it is essential that those engaged in it should be well familiar with their business and the current trends in it, open to challenges, and dedicated to their work.

Tjaša Janovljak

If you happen to be on the city’s northern outskirts, don’t miss the restaurant Kovač (Pot k Savi 9), the winner in the category of traditional ‘gostilna’ restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. www.gostilnakovac.eu Save yourself a trip to Italy and enjoy an excellent pizza just a few minutes away from the centre of Ljubljana, at Piazza (Parmova ulica 51), the highest rated pizza restaurant, where all kinds of Italian dishes

Traditional “Gostilna na Gradu” Restaurant; Photo: T. Jeseničnik

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Renovation Proceeds at Cankarjev Dom

Reception in CD Club; Photo: B. Cvetkovic

In 2011, a partial makeover of Cankarjev dom (CD), the main Slovenian cultural and congress centre, is announced. After the CD Club, Second Foyer and Grand Reception Hall, the First Foyer is due for renovation. Works to be performed include glazing, stone-cutting, installations, painting and restoration works, and the replacement of air conditioning and lighting.

Characteristic bright colours of the foyer will be preserved, with the floor being painted in wood colour. The foyer, which serves as the main logistics centre between the Maximarket Passage, main CD halls, Small Gallery and CD Club, will thus be given an opportunity to function as a venue for social events. The renovation, which will take place between June and September 2011, is estimated to cost 1,670,000 €. www.cd-cc.si

Past and Future Congress Rhapsody Association Meetings in Ljubljana: 2009 versus 2010 Relevant data regarding the association meetings market are reflected in the international congress calendar, which is since years compiled by Ljubljana Tourism / Convention Bureau. Events must comply with the following criteria to be listed: regional / European / international meetings or meetings with a majority of foreign delegates; a minimum of 100 delegates; oneday events are excluded.

The comparison between 2009 and 2010, when the global economic crises was already in full swing, shows some interesting aspects.

The first conclusion is that, just as abroad, the association market has proven to be more resilient to the unfavourable conditions, whereas corporate meetings were much more affected by the negative situation.

The number of registered events, 43, was actually the same in 2009 in 2010. In 2009 no congress attracted 1,000 or more delegates,

however 13 had more than 200, out of which 8 recorded more than 400 delegates. In 2010 Ljubljana hosted one congress with 1,600 delegates; however only three out of 13 events with more than 200 delegates reached 400 registered attendees.

Association (as well as corporate) meetings have become very price-sensitive, yet stable, which is also the visible trend for the coming years. The association market is expected to go through a general transformation in the near future, as a consequence of a higher specialisation in science and research, stronger regionalisation, commercialisation and new technologies. We will therefore have to constantly keep an eye on current developments.

Last year the corporate market in Ljubljana was still vulnerable, but the second half of 2010 started showing signs of recovery, reflected in a growing number of inquiries by

The 40th World Scout Congress in Ljubljana in 2014

The Bid is won; Photo: ZTS Archive

Ljubljana will in August 2014 host the World Scout Congress, a four-day event attracting over 1000 representatives of scout

organisations from all over the world. The selected venue that suited most the client’s requirements is the Ljubljana

Photo: Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre

foreign clients – a trend continuing in 2011.

The two largest association events in 2011 are: the 40th EDTNA- ERCA International Conference, taking place from 9 to 11 September in Cankarjev dom Cultural & Congress Centre (1600 delegates) and the 40th EMAC Conference (European Marketing Academy), staged from 24 to 27 May at the Faculty of

Exhibition and Convention Centre – GR. Ljubljana Tourism and its Convention Bureau wish to congratulate the Slovene National Scouts Organisation for this success and look forward to a further excellent cooperation.

A strong delegation of the Slovene National Scouts Organisation attended the 39th World Scouts Congress, which recently took place in Curitiba, Brazil, with a very special purpose. After 14 months of preparations, in which the Ljubljana Convention Bureau was involved from the start, the bid to host the next congress in 2014 in Slovenia and Ljubljana was formally presented. Two countries entered the final selection: the

Economics (800 delegates).

The congress calendar for the current year and the past ones is published in the dedicated Meeting Planners’ section at www. visitljubljana.si/meetings, which also contains an array of valuable information featuring the qualities of Ljubljana as an attractive meeting & incentive destination.

Tatjana Radovič

Slovenian team faced a very strong competition from Italy, which proposed Florence and Rimini as destinations for the event. The votes of the national delegations were counted at the closing ceremony, and Slovenia won the bid with a substantial majority of votes.

The Congress will take place in Ljubljana, while the 12th Scout Youth Forum will run in the green environment of the Rogla Plateau. We are confident that with joint efforts we will justify the trust given to us by this decision and that the 40th World Scout Congress will not only be a jubilee one, but hopefully also an unforgettable one! www.wsc2014.si Tatjana Radovič

14

Ride with Heritage Train For train lovers and enthusiasts a 2-hour ride on the Bohinj trail will be a truly unforgettable experience. Amazing vistas of the Lake Bled, deep gorges and chasms unravel before your eyes, replaced suddenly by utter darkness of many tunnels, with the longest measuring 6327m. Guides are also on the train to answer any questions you may have. www.en.abc-tourism.si

Photo: R. Urevc

Linking Ljubljana and its Green Outskirts Ljubljana Tourism plays the leading role in setting up a wider metropolitan area tourist destination. Its goal is to ensure cooperation between the capital and its surroundings in terms of branding, product development and marketing of the Central Slovenia tourist offer, thus enhancing its attractiveness to visitors. Encouraging them to discover the beauties of this area is an added value to Ljubljana itself, with special tours being created. The project is expected to result in a better international recognition of this entire area.

Idrija on Path of Sustainable Development The town of Idrija is the proud holder of the ‘Alpine City 2011’ title. In June, the 30th Idrija Lace Festival will be celebrated, featuring a fashion spectacle with Idrija lace creations. others in Antoni’s Adit, the world’s oldest entrance to a mine, the 13.6 metre ‘kamšt’ wooden mining wheel from 1790 and the majestic ‘klavže’ sluice gate, to name but few.

Other historical objects are kept at Gewerkenegg Castle Museum, a venue for numerous cultural events in the summer. www.muzej-idrija-cerkno.si

Gewerkenegg Castle; Photo: S. Trebižan

Less than an hour’s drive from Ljubljana brings you to a scenic country road through narrow valleys embraced by wooded mountains, which separate the pre-Alpine region and the Karst plateaus. At the end of the road, the town of Idrija, the Zgornja Idrijca Natural Park, and the Divje jezero Lake, a major Karst water resource, are to be found.

Rich Technical Heritage The history of the area is closely

connected to the Idrija Mercury Mine, which is the second largest mine of its kind. It operated for five centuries and left an indelible mark on the town. Legend says it all began in 1490, when a cooper discovered “an unusually heavy silvery substance”. Consequently, the valley attracted large numbers of prospectors, miners, researchers and experts, who strongly influenced the life in the area. Today, the history reflects in several spots, among

competitions, this year’s festival will include a fashion spectacle with lace creations by renowned Slovenian fashion designers, which will then be put on display at the town’s museum until the end of August. The festival will be accompanied by music and culinary events. www.idrija-turizem.si/en Tjaša Janovljak

Alpine City 2011 Idrija is the current holder of the prestigious ‘Alpine City of the Year’ title, which proves that the town develops in accordance with the Alpine Convention Provisions, whose objective is to ensure balance between economic growth, social welfare and environment protection.

To celebrate the title, several events will take place throughout the year. www.idrija-turizem.si/en 30th Anniversary From 17 to 19 June, the 30th anniversary of the Idrija Lace Festival will take place. Next to lectures, workshops, exhibitions and

Scenic Rake Stream; Photo: S. Trebižan

Taste of Europe, Taste of Honey The Technical Museum of Slovenia in Bistra, 20 km from the centre of

Ljubljana, hosts an international exhibition “A Taste of Europe”,

which will be on display until 3 December 2011. With the main topic being food production and consumption, eight European museums joined forces to prepare it. The exhibition sheds light on national similarities and differences, trends throughout the time and the impact food consumption has on environment and climate, thus encouraging the Honeycombs; Photo: Technical Museum Slovenia Archive

start of an international dialogue on food, heritage and environment.

Next to the main theme of the exhibition, individual contributions on distinctive national food products have been prepared.

The Slovenian contribution to the exhibition, entitled Let There Be Honey, focuses on the Carniolan honey bee, an autochthonous breed, its endangered status and protection, and honey – a nutriment, cure and sweetener. www.tms.si Meta Stvarnik

In its Twenties Slovenia celebrates its first twenty. As a baby, it quickly learned to walk alone and talk fluently. Now it is past puberty and treading the path of the great. But that holds true only for the country; its people have been on this road long before. meetings, numerous festivals and exhibitions. The most festive of all events will be the annual celebration on Statehood Day, 24 June 2011, at Kongresni trg square in Ljubljana. www.twenty.si

Independence Day; Photo: Salomon 2000

On 23 December 1990, a plebiscite was held; 90% of voters decided they want their country to be independent. Half a year later, the independence of Slovenia was declared. Twenty years have passed since then and this year’s anniversary deserves to be celebrated appropriately.

Throughout the year, various events are taking place: concerts, celebrations, symposia,

Another attractive event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Independence will take place on 3 July at Kongresni trg square.

Musicians of the Slovenian and Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestras will hold a concert, conducted

by Valerij Gergiev - an incredible array of 1030 musicians will perform Mahler’s Eighth Symphony or The Symphony of a Thousand to commemorate the 150th anniversary of his birth and 100th anniversary of his death. www.visitljubljana.si

mark the 20th anniversary of Slovenian independence with an exhibition intended to represent the balance sheet of the last two decades of Slovenian architecture, design and photography. The exhibition, held from 19 June to 2 October, will show the surpluses and good investments and draw attention to the deficits and debts. www.mao.si Meta Stvarnik

Europe to Ljubljana – Ljubljana to Europe An evening before Europe Day and on the Ljubljana Celebration Day, on 9 May at 8 pm, a traditional event Europe to Ljubljana – Ljubljana to Europe will take place. Tango for Rachmaninoff will be staged at Pogačarjev trg square by Slovene National Theatre Opera and Ballet dancers, accompanied by the Funtango band, playing live.

There is no entrance fee. www.visitljubljana.si

Tjaša Janovljak

A Formed Republic, 1991-2011 Ljubljana’s Museum of Architecture and Design will

Artist Zmago Modic painting Concert on the Spot; Photo R. Zakšek

Hole–in–one Destinations

Good news for golfers: in the immediate vicinity of Ljubljana three golf courses are situated; two with 18 and one with 9 holes.

Charming “Evergreen” Restaurant at Golf Course Diners Club Ljubljana; Photo: B. Čeferin

Situated halfway between the Ljubljana airport and the city, Diners Club Ljubljana Golf Course is the nearest to the airport. It offers a breathtaking panorama of snow-covered Alps and Šmarna gora, which is a popular hiking spot among the locals. Although being one of the youngest golf courses in Slovenia, it easily catches up with the older ones in terms of quality and offer. The golf

course of a 6200 metre length with undulating terrain and numerous greens has two courses, an 18-hole course and a smaller, 9-hole course.

Facilities include a shop and Evergreen Restaurant, which is worth visiting also if you are not a golfer; a charming green atmosphere and top quality offer of food and drinks will impress you for sure. www.golf-ljubljana.si/en

Arboretum Golf Course is the oldest golf course situated on the outskirts of Ljubljana.

It is set next to an arboretum, hence the name, in beautiful scenery of pine forest with several ponds and offers stunning views of Kamnik Alps.

With 5500 m and 18 holes, the course presents a fine undulating challenge also for the best golfers. www.golfarboretum.si

The nearest to Ljubljana is Trnovo Golf Course, situated at the southern Ljubljana bypass. Unlike other courses, this is a public pay-and-play facility, which means that no membership or golf ability licence is required. The course has nine holes with multiple tees and is therefore a great choice for golfers of all handicaps. www.golftrnovo.com Tjaša Janovljak

Beautiful Scenery of Arboretum; Photo: Ljubljana Tourism Archive