In one of the most beautiful and ignored cities in Europe is a fantastic and fantasy filled bridge.
Dragon Bridge is the most fairytale of bridges in the fairytale city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Combining old-world charm with medieval mystery, this bridge celebrates its gothic construction and the mythical side of the area’s history. Decorated with ornamental dragon statues among the other ornate embellishments, visitors love to see the playful side of the city through this monument.
While medieval in style, this attraction came into being in the early 20th century as part of a urban renovation. An 1895 earthquake had damaged the previous wooden bridge, and the powers that be decided to try out a new, innovative technology called reinforced concrete, and throw some dragons in for good measure.
In the early 1980s, the bridge was renovated with a lightweight concrete. The beautiful fantasy-themed bridge holds the titles to a couple of firsts: first Slovenian bridge paved, first reinforced concrete bridge in Ljubljana, and came is a strong third for largest arch in Europe at the time of construction.
All technical marvel aside, obviously the main attraction is the fine example of Vienna Succession style, and the four dragons guarding the bridge on either side, with sixteen smaller ones decorating its span.
The entire country is beautiful and has a wide spectrum of activities and sights.
It IS beautiful, but then I love dragons… LOL. Thanks for posting the pictures, otherwise I’d probably never have seen it! 😀
I was there last fall. One of the best vacations I ever took.
Great post Don!
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