- Address: Prešernov trg 4, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Phone: +386 1 242 93 00;
- Website: franciskani.si;
- Construction: 1646-1660;
- Architectural style: Baroque architecture;
- Architect: Francesco Robba.
The picturesque city of Ljubljana , located in the heart of the Republic of Slovenia , is not only the official capital of the state, but also its business, economic and cultural center. Despite such a small size, there is everything that can be offered by large megacities to a modern tourist: luxury hotels, restaurants of national cuisine, dense green parks and, of course, original antique architecture. One of the most famous sights of the capital is one of the most beautiful churches in Slovenia - the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, which we will discuss in more detail later.
General information
The Franciscan Church of the Annunciation (Ljubljana) is one of the most visited temples of the capital, perhaps due to its convenient location on Presherna Square in the historic district of the city. The church was built in 1646-1660. On the site of the former St. Martin's Cathedral, which was created by the Augustinian Order. The new church with the chapel was consecrated in 1700.
At the end of the 18th century Josephine reforms were abolished by the Augustinian order, and in the church and monastery the Franciscans settled, in honor of whom the name of the temple was given (by the way, the red color of the building is also symbolic of the monastic order). In 1785, the parish of the Annunciation of Mary was established, which since 2008 is a cultural monument of national importance in Slovenia.
Architectural features
The church was designed as an early Baroque monolithic basilica with two side chapels. The main façade, divided by majestic pilasters, overlooks the river. The staircase, completed in the first half of the 19th century, leads to the entrance. A little later, in 1858, the building underwent a restoration, during which the facade was completely restored and decorated with the fresco of Goldenstein. At the same time, 3 niches with sculptures of God the Father appeared above the main stone arch, the Virgin Mary and the angels on the sides (the works of Baroque sculptor Paolo Callallo).
The rich interior of the Franciscan Church of the Annunciation will also leave no one indifferent. The main altar of the baroque church was created by the architect Francesco Robba, and the lateral chapels and ceilings were decorated by the Impressionist Matei Sternen in the 1930s.
Franciscan Library
On the territory of the complex, in addition to the church, there is a monastery, which is famous throughout Slovenia for its library. In its collection there are more than 70,000 publications, including 5 medieval manuscripts and 111 incunabula. Books predominantly theological content - liturgy, preaching literature, catechesis, church law, biography of saints, beatification, canonization, etc. There are also historical and encyclopedic works that touch upon religious themes between the end of the counter-reform and enlightenment.
How to get there?
The Franciscan Church of the Annunciation of Ljubljana is located in the central part of the city, so it is quite easy to find it. You can get to the temple:
- Walking on a walk around the city.
- By taxi or rented car by coordinates.
- By public transport. A block from the main entrance to the church is Pošta stop, which can be reached by buses 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 18, 19, 27 and 51.