Lining the square’s southern flank are the University of Ljubljana, the Slovenian Philharmonic, the Baroque-style Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity, and the Museum of Illusions—clustered around the ancient ruins of the Roman settlement of Emona—while the neoclassical Casino Building, home of the Institute of Modern History, the Archives of Slovenia, and the Tone Tomšič Academic Choir, commands the square's northern axis.
Explore Congress Square as part of a walking tour focusing on Slovenia’s post-Communist era or the city’s vibrant art and food scenes. Even more specialized tours highlight the feminist heroes of Slovenia’s struggle for equality or a wintry city journey during the festive Christmas season.
Congress Square is located just west of the Ljubljanica River in the city’s historic center, and is best accessed on foot or bicycle. Bus line 32 stops at Kongresni trg on the park’s southwest corner. A large underground car parking garage is accessed on the park’s northwest corner.
Congress Square is a popular meeting place throughout the year. During the summer, an open-air cinema plays free movies and classical music concerts are put on in the park. Catch the early morning sun through the trees or the evening magic hour as locals seek a moment of post-work relaxation.
Built atop the ruins of a medieval Capuchin monastery, Congress Square plays an important role in the national psyche. At the plaza, Slovenes celebrated their independence from the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918. And it was here, they celebrated the creation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929, and would gather again to demand their freedom from the union, 62 years later, in 1991.