Ljubljana Music Walking Tour

Slovenians are very proud of their musical heritage. Did you know that just around 80km from Ljubljana, at the archaeological site Divje Babe, the Neanderthal flute was found, world’s oldest instrument? It’s been said that the flute, made from a thigh bone of a young cave bear, is more than 50000 years old.

Prešeren Square:

The tour starts at Prešeren Square.

Slovene Philharmonic on the Congress Square

In 1881/1882, Gustav Mahler was a conductor of Philharmonic society orchestra in Ljubljana. He came here when he was only 21 years old – in only six months, he conducted 88 operas and operettas! We can imagine that he was very busy. When he had an evening off, he went to the pub Roža where he had a glass or two of Pilsner beer.

University of Ljubljana and about choirs in Slovenia

The Academic choir of the University of Ljubljana, a renowned choir having received many prizes all over the world, also obtained the Golden Order of freedom of Slovenia. Singing in a choir is very popular in Slovenia: did you know that we have around 2300 choirs? Slovenians also have a saying: »Three Slovenians – a choir. «

Avenue of Slovene Composers

Benjamin Ipavec, the famous Slovene composer, was also a doctor of medicine. The author of first Slovene operetta, Tičnik or Birdcage once said: “Yes, yes, art is beautiful, but artists are swines!”

French revolution square: Križanke and Ljubljana Festival

The contemporary music scene in Slovenia is also very lively. Last august, the Slovenian avant-garde industrial group Laibach became the first-ever Western rock group to perform in North Korea’s capital!

Former Ducal Palace, now National and University Library

The Ducal palace, a magnificent baroque mansion that suffered severe damage in the earthquake in 1895 and had to be pulled down, was the centre of cultural events in baroque. The owners, counts Auersperg, were inviting Italian artist to perform here.

Križevniška street

Križevniška street is one of the most romantic streets in Ljubljana. Many artists live here, one of them is also Urban Koder, who wrote music for Slovenian movie Cvetje v jeseni, Flowers in the fall, one of the most popular movies in the 1970s.

Stari trg – in front of Academy of Music

The first public music school was founded in Ljubljana in 1816, so this year we’re celebrating the 200th anniversary of public music schools in Slovenia! Attended by young children between the ages 8 and 12, the school was only for poor children. However, they weren’t allowed to play in the orchestra or to perform in public: it’s been said that »there are too many opportunities for seduction.«

Town Pipers in Cobblers’ Bridge

The mayor of Ljubljana invited town pipers to the city in the 16th century. They played every day at 11 from the castle. Citizens could also hire pipers to play at the private events under the condition that pipers are always sober while performing and that they don’t overcharge for private performances. Marching bands are still very popular in Slovenia. We are very proud of Brass band Idrija, the oldest still an active brass band in the world, who celebrates this year its 350th anniversary.

Protestants and Music, Stritarjeva Street

A Protestant school once stood on this street, established in 1563. The school was attended by 100 boys. Every school day began with a song »Veni creator spiritus«, Come, O Creator Spirit. Boys were also members of a protestant choir that sung every Sunday at the protestant holy mass.

…and back to the Prešeren Square

The sound of the accordion can be heard on almost every street in Ljubljana. This instrument is an important part of so-called oberkrainer music which originates in old Slovenian’s folk tradition. Those short vocal and instrumental songs praise our country, its beauties, the zest for life, the love… The founders of Obercrainer music are Avsenik Brothers ensemble; they sold over 36 million records and their famous song Na Golici has more than 600 covers!

Other Tourist Attractions in Ljubljana

Ljubljana Music Walking Tour is provided by Ljubljana Guides