Tivoli Park and Mansion

With its pretty landscaped gardens, shaded woodlands and idyllic walkways, it’s easy to see why the people of Ljubljana flock to Tivoli Park on sunny weekends, but there’s plenty to see and do in the park year round.

The tranquil parkland is the city’s most popular green space, a 5-square kilometer stretch laid out in 1813 and an easy walk from the city center. This is the place to break away from the urban sprawl and fill your lungs with fresh air, and a number of walking and cycling trails, mini golf courses and adventure playgrounds are dotted throughout the park.

Walk the long promenade flanked by Plečnik-designed lampposts and you’ll come to the grand Tivoli Mansion, with its entrance watched over by a set of 4 tongue-less guard dog statues. Built by Jesuits in the 17th century, the Baroque-style mansion is now home to the International Centre of Graphic Arts and hosts a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year. The Museum of Modern History is another one of the park’s highlights, along with the Ljubljana Zoo, an outdoor swimming pool, a live music venue and a sports park. As you stroll through the park, keep a look out for the many notable sculptures – the bronze ‘Boy with a Whistle’ by Zdenko Kalin, Slobodan Pejic’s inspired piece set around a fallen oak tree and the statue of celebrated Slovene poet Edvard Kocbek by sculptor Bostjan Drinovec, are all exquisite works.