Ljubljana Town Hall

The seat of the city for six centuries, Ljubljana Town Hall stands on Town Square in the heart of the old town, its clock tower and arcaded courtyard forming one of the enduring images of the Slovenian capital. Known as the Rotovž or Magistrat, it has been the home of the municipal government since the late Middle Ages.

The present building blends two eras. A Gothic town hall was first raised here around 1484, then thoroughly remodelled in the early eighteenth century in a Venetian-influenced Baroque style, giving the facade its balanced windows, coat of arms and pointed clock tower. Behind the front range lies an atmospheric arcaded courtyard with columns, statues and old fountains, including works associated with the sculptor Francesco Robba, whose famous fountain stands just outside.

Inside, the halls have hosted civic life for generations, from council meetings to receptions, and several rooms preserve historic decoration. The building is still a working town hall rather than a dedicated museum, so the ceremonial rooms are shown to the public more selectively, while the ground-floor courtyard and passage are generally open and frequently used for small exhibitions and cultural events.

For visitors it is a natural pause on a walk through the medieval centre. The location could hardly be more central: the cathedral, the central market, the Triple Bridge and the funicular up to the castle are all within a few minutes on foot. The courtyard can be entered free of charge during opening hours, and the square in front, with the Robba Fountain, is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Guided tours arranged through the tourist office occasionally open the ceremonial interior for a closer look at the councils' historic rooms.