A remarkable building stands on Kongresni trg, directly across from Zvezda Park and
surrounded by many of Ljubljana’s key cultural institutions. The University Palace is not just
an architectural gem—it’s a central city landmark with a rich and fascinating past. We feature
it on our general city tours, as well as on our specialized themed tour Language – Literature –
Identity, due to its historical and aesthetic significance.
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A Palace with a Past
The University Palace (Univerzitetna palača) wasn’t originally intended for academic use.
Built in 1902, during the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it served as the seat of the Carniolan
Provincial Government. Its grand design—neo-Renaissance with a touch of imperial
elegance—reflects the ambitions of the empire at the time. Inside, you’ll find a sweeping
staircase, majestic halls, and richly decorated interiors. It feels more like a mini palace than an
administrative building! Today, the palace houses the Rectorate (the central administration of
the University of Ljubljana) and is the venue for important academic ceremonies,
international visits, and other prestigious events.
From Empire to Academia
After World War I, when Slovenia became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and
Slovenes (later Yugoslavia), the palace took on a new role. In 1919, it became the home of
the newly established University of Ljubljana—Slovenia’s first and only university at the
time. Imagine the excitement: Slovenians finally had their own institution of higher learning!
At its founding, the university included five faculties: Philosophy, Law, Technology,
Theology, and Medicine. These disciplines laid the foundation for the modern academic
landscape of Slovenia and helped shape the country's intellectual, legal, cultural, and
scientific identity.
Today, the university has grown into a leading educational institution with 23 faculties, 3
academies, and over 40,000 students. The University Palace has remained a symbol of
intellectual freedom, national pride, and academic excellence. Many of Slovenia’s most
important thinkers, scientists, artists, and political figures have passed through its halls.
Would you like to enjoy a private, customized gudied tour? Contact us here
Pioneering Women from Ljubljana
On our customized tour Pioneering Women from Ljubljana, you'll learn more about the
remarkable women who helped shape the city’s history. One of the most significant among
them is Ana Mayer Kansky, a true trailblazer.
In 1920, she became the first person to be awarded a PhD from the University of
Ljubljana—and notably, she was a woman in science at a time when that was exceedingly
rare. Her doctorate marked not only a personal achievement but also a breakthrough for women’s participation in academia and science in Slovenia and beyond. Her legacy
symbolizes the university’s early commitment to gender equality, scientific progress, and
the nurturing of local intellectual talent in a newly independent country.
A Fun Legend
There’s a quirky student legend: if you walk up the palace’s grand central staircase before
passing your final exams, you might curse your chances of graduating on time. So, don’t be
surprised to see students avoiding those steps like they’re under a spell!
Curious to hear more stories like these? Join us for a guided tour—you’ll discover the
hidden tales behind Ljubljana’s most iconic buildings!
There are numerous special in person or distant guided tours prepared for you! If you can not
come to Ljubljana, you can join us online: live streamed guided tours or watch an hour long
video on demand: Congress Square in Ljubljana.
Dobrodošli- welcome!
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