Friday, May 9, 2014

Dragons of Ljubljana

Dragons, the mysterious, enigmatic creatures from mythology represent the soul of Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. As I walked the cobbled stoned streets of ljubljana, I was fascinated by the dragon statues that decorated the city all around.

The symbol of the city is  the Dragon and according to the Slavic myth, the slaying of this beast releases the waters and ensures the fertility of the earth. As per the celebrated Slavic legend ,  the Argonauts  (a band of Greek heroes) on their return home after having taken the Golden Fleece  (a fleece of gold hair which is a symbol of authority and kingship)  found a large lake surrounded by a marsh between the present-day towns of Vrhnika and Ljubljana. It is there that Jason (hero of the tale) struck down a monster. 
The famous dragon bridge of Ljubljana

Dragon statue from the front
This monster has become the dragon that today is present on the city coat of arms and flag.

Out of the many fascinating buildings and structures that define Ljubljana, I was in particular left spell bound by the dragon bridge. And more so with the legend that goes with the bridge. They say that the 4 dragon statues that are on the bridge wag their tails when a virgin crosses the bridge!! :) ain't heard of any better test of virginity!!

Another thing I loved about Ljubljana was the graffiti.. It adorned most of the walls in the city.. making it the city's USP..






This small little city of this small little country left me spell bound by its rich history and unique architectural delights! An awesome holiday destination for travel enthusiasts!

19 comments:

Suzanne said...

I am always impressed by the culture to be found in cities across the world. The history of the dragons found in Ljublijana is fascinating! I too love the graffiti everywhere. It is like modern art!

BeautyDrugs said...

It just a great post. Architecture is simply amazing. Pictures are cute. xxx

Agarwal Samaj Bhilwara said...

Great post. yesterday i was reading the related article on a newspaper website where they have described a village in the Tunisia where every year many painters come and paint the wall of the people's house

Tim OCallaghan said...

The dragons of Ljublijana are both beautiful and mystical; perfect accompaniments to the city in the Slavic region of the world.

Anonymous said...

Lubljana is close to my country, however I never got a chance to visit that capital. However, I experienced the magic through your bits of moments captured in shots. I love these dragons!

cre8tone said...

The dragon looks cute! Nice one..

Mia Foo said...

Nice pictures! I guess I'm too ignorant, but I never heard of Ljubljana until today. Thanks for sharing!

FX777222999 said...

It's a myth or true story, that Jason killed the dragon. But it reflects something beautiful to residents.

Little Clouds of Thought said...

Wall graffiti can be nice when they're done nicely. In Brazil, graffiti is rampant! Love the tale of the dragon bridge!

Unknown said...

Nice graffiti! Reading your post makes me to remember Game of Thrones! ehhehe. Where is Khaleesi?

papaleng said...

I haver seen the film Jason and the Argonauts, so I am familiar with what you are telling. My mind just wonder, do the local there worship the dragon?

Unknown said...

I've always been fascinated by cultures all around me. Also love the fact of how graffiti has become known as Modern Art!

Unknown said...

It is interesting how many stories there are about dragons in Europe. I would love to see Ljubjana and all of this one day.

Fred Said said...

This Game of Thrones addict is loving those dragons. I don't really like the graffiti though.

Unknown said...

Each place is unique and something that will draw you in. For this particular instance, its' their dragon and graffitis. Wonder if you can also post the bridge that you mentioned is your favorite?

Franc said...

The myths of the dragons makes the town a lot more interesting. I've always been fascinated by Dragons.

Mommy K said...

This is very interesting. I have a thing about dragons and myths and I am amazed about this place. The graffiti is lovely too!

Unknown said...

wow! Great post! And I think this place looks great!

becky-wong said...

I love dragons. You have me at both photos of the dragons. =)