An Art Nouveau (Secession) Walk from Prešeren Square
Ljubljana is one of the easiest places in Europe to see a whole district rebuilt in a single modern style. The 1895 earthquake wiped out the old centre and the rebuild came in the Vienna Secession manner — what most people call Art Nouveau. This walk starts at the square and follows the city’s grandest Secession street.
Church and the square’s buildings
The Church of the Annunciation, known as the Franciscan Church, stands on the north side of the square. Slovenia’s heritage record describes its early-Baroque structure, six side chapels and interior works associated with Francesco Robba, Matevž Langus, Matej Sternen and Jože Plečnik. It remains a place of worship; check current visiting arrangements.
The Urbanc department store, designed by Fredrich Sigmundt and completed in 1903, represents the Secession-era commercial architecture around the square. Across the Ljubljanica, the Triple Bridge incorporates the 1842 bridge and two pedestrian bridges designed by Jože Plečnik in 1931–1932.
University of Ljubljana Press senior consultant Matevž Rudolf recommended this open book in his email of 6 November 2026. Edited by Katja Mahnič (2024), it grew from a University of Ljubljana art-history museology project on presenting the Church of the Annunciation. The recommendation is not a review or endorsement of this independent site.
- Style here
- Vienna Secession (local Art Nouveau)
- Trigger
- The 1895 earthquake and the rebuilding decade
- Route length
- About 1.2 km one way to the station district
- Time
- 45–70 minutes with stops
- Key street
- Miklošičeva cesta
- Architects
- Maks Fabiani, Ciril Metod Koch, Jože Plečnik
Why Ljubljana is a Secession city
After the 14 April 1895 earthquake, Ljubljana rebuilt fast and modern. The new façades used the Secession vocabulary coming out of Vienna: geometric ornament, stylised flowers,female figures and rounded corner towers.
Because the rebuilding was concentrated in a few years, entire streets share the look — which is what makes this walk coherent rather than scattered.
The route
- Start on Prešeren Square: Urbanc House (1903) on the Čopova corner is your first Secession gem.
- Walk up Wolfova, then onto Miklošičeva cesta — the main seam of Secession façades.
- Continue past the railway-station district, where several landmark buildings line the avenue.
- Return the same way, or loop back via the river for variety.
What to look for
- Corner towers and round oriel windows — Secession architects loved the street corner.
- Stylised female figures and floral reliefs above the ground floor.
- Geometric friezes and medallions rather than old-style statues.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Art Nouveau and Secession here?
They are the same movement; “Secession” is the Viennese name. In Ljubljana the style is called Secession, but it is the Central European branch of Art Nouveau.
How long is the walk?
About 1.2 km one way to the station district, roughly 45–70 minutes with stops to read the façades. It is flat and paved throughout.
Where does the walk start?
On Prešeren Square itself — Urbanc House on the Čopova corner is the first Secession building — then along Wolfova and Miklošičeva cesta.
Sources: Visit Ljubljana architecture guide, City heritage register. Facts checked October 2026.