A tale of 3 cities – Pleènik's Ljubljana, Prague & Vienna

Throughout 2007 Slovenia is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the death of the internationally renowned Slovenian architect Jože Pleènik (1872 – 1957), who left a lasting mark on the three central European cities of Vienna, Prague and his native Ljubljana, which he transformed in the 1920s and 30s. Celebration of Pleènik's work will be part of a programme of activities promoting Slovenian culture during Slovenia's presidency of the EU at the start of 2008, including a Pleènik exhibition in Brussels.

Often referred to as Pleènik’s Ljubljana, the compact Slovenian capital is hallmarked by the classical motifs and symbolism that distinguishes his style. Having studied under Otto Wagner and practiced in Vienna, he moved to Prague in 1911 he was appointed chief architect of the renovation of the medieval Prague castle in 1920.

In 1921 he moved back to Ljubljana and taught at the University, while working tirelessly to transform Ljubljana through works such new bridges, a new waterfront, banks, new market buildings, monuments, plazas, parks, major buildings and the University Library.

In Ljubljana Pleènik formulated a system of street and water axes through the city along which he placed a number of elements: diminutive pillars and lamp posts, benches and small green parks, bridges and palaces. He wanted to make Ljubljana into a new Athens. He saw the city as the cultural capital of the Slovenian nation and he strove to create a metaphorical Athenian urban space using renovated historical forms.

He conceived of Ljubljana Castle as the Acropolis (the redesign of Šance, the castle ramparts, was accomplished in 1934), Žale cemetery as the Necropolis (1937-1940), the National and University Library as the Hellenistic Library (1936-1941), the Congress Square as the Agora (1927), the main marketplace as Stoo (1940-1944), and Orlovski Stadium as the central stadium (1925-1941).

Events and exhibitions of Pleènik’s life and works will take place in Ljubljana throughout this year. The Ljubljana Tourist office organises a Ple?nik walking tour, taking in the architect’s most significant works.

For information about Slovenia visit Slovenia.info.

For information about Ljubljana, visit Ljubljana-tourism.si