The present day area of Ljubljana according to archaealogical discoveries dates back to the Bronze Age. .A Roman settlement, Emona was built in the area in 15AD and survived until 452 when it was destroyed by Attila and the Huns. The first documentation referring to Ljubljana by name is dated 1144 There is also a 1146 reference to it in the Latin name of Luwigana. In 1220 it was recognised as a town.

In 1335 it became part of the Austrian Hapsburg Empire. In 1461 it became a diocese and during the Middle Ages it became cultural centre. In 1511 it was damaged by an earthquake. The Hapsburg rule was broken between 1809 and 1813 when it was overun by the French Army led by Napoleon. In 1895 the city suffered extensive damage from another earthquake after which the city was rebuilt . In 1918 at the end of WW1 the rule of the Austrian Hungarian Empire ended.

Betweenh the WW1 and WW2 it formed part of the Kingodm of Yugoslavia, until it was occupied by Italy in April 1941. In Febuary 1942 it survived a siege after the Italiens had encirled with 31 KLM of barbed wire. At the end of WW2 it was occupied by the Red Army and became part of Yugoslav Republic of Slovenia. In 1955 refering to the siege the Yugoslava President, Josip referred to it as the 'Hero City'. The city has some Baroque. Renaissance style and neo- Classicist architecture. Its castle parts of which date back to the Stone Age is being renovated.

Restaurants In Ljubljana

There are many restaurants in the city of Ljubljana, especially in the area around 'Stari Trg' the following are worth noting: The Rotvz at Mestni Trg 3 (Tel: 251 2839) is a very stylish seafood restaurant that has some fairly exclusive dishes like trout and a good wine list to compliment their refreshing food. A little pricey. The Pivnica Kratchowill at Kolodvorska 14 (Tel: 433 3114) offers good meals even though it is essentially a bar. The food available ranges from game, pasta to sausages and the beer is similiar to German or Czech beer. Very pleasant atmosphere in a fairly modern setting. Average Prices.

The Pri sv Florijanu at Gorni Trg 20 (Tel: 251 2214) is a Slovenian restaurant with a distinctly continental touch. The meat dishes are hearty and the pumkin ravoli when in season is a real joy. Very good service and slightly pricey. The Zinta Ribica at Cankarjevo 5 is a very popular restaurant with the locals which sells fairly orthodox Eastern European food. The food is good the prices are fair and the black pudding very homely. It is near the market and may not open at weekends? One restaurant that is really exceptional is The Spajza at Gornji trg 28 (Tel: 425 3094). It is probably one of the most intimate restaurants in Ljubljana with several very relaxing dining areas lit by candles. It sells traditional Slovenian food - the scampi and salads are superb. A very good find.

There are numerous night clubs and music bar in this city with practically every musical taste catered for. The Gajo Jazz Club at Beethovnova 8 (Tel: 424 3206) is a internationally renowned venue - artists of the calbre od Woody Shaw have played here. The Casa del Papa at Celovska 54 (Tel: 434 3158) specialises in Latino music. Set on three levels, open very late it also offers cocktails and a range of food from the equatoria regions. The K4 Dance Club at Kerisnikova 4 (Tel: 431 7010) in recent years has become a 'cult' club for young and sometimes slightly off the wall clubbers. Very popular with the locals.