Slovenia’s National Gallery also known as the Narodna galerija is the national main art museum located within the capital city of Slovenia, Ljubljana. It contains the largest art collections from the late medieval periods until the 20^th century. It was founded in the year 1918 after the closure of Austria-Hungary as well as the establishment of the State of Slovenes, Croats and Serbs.

The National Art Gallery used to house in the Kresija Palace of Ljubljana created in the year 1896, and was moved to its current location in the year 1919. The current building wherein the National Art Gallery is situated was designed by the Czech architect František Edmund Škabrout and is located near the Tivoli Park. The building was first used as a venue for cultural events organized by a variety of Slovenian societies, and its basement as a gym of the Društvo Sokol society. In the outermost part of the building, a basilica shaped is formed with the central wing taller those on the sides with a Neo- Renaissance style of decoration. Slovene architect Edvard Ravnikar added an extension to the main building in the year 1990s, and in 2001 architects Jurij Sadar and Boštjan Vuga created a huge transparent glass gallery that links the two other wings of the infrastructure. This glass façade which faces the Tivoli Park now symbolizes one of the classier purpose spaces in the city center. A larger hall in the old wing wherein the gallery’s collection exhibits can be found also has a seating capacity of 160 guests wherein some functions can be held like award presentations with chamber music concert.

The Slovenian National Art Gallery is surely a place where one should visit especially if he or she loves to witness the beautiful history of Slovenia. Plus, those who are art fanatics, this can be a great venue to visit since it holds a lot of antique art collections such as paintings of famous artists.

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For Sixth Annual “Places Rated” Destination done by The National Geographic traveler together with the National Geographic Society’s Center for Sustainable Destinations, Slovenia was ranked as the 5^th top world destination with 78 points. This honor given to deserving countries were based from a survey of the world’s most sought out travel destinations and magnificent tourism the country has to offer. Though one of the smallest countries in Europe, it never stopped Slovenia from getting the award. Here are the top 5 places in Slovenia which brought about its success as the 5^th top world destination.

1. Lake Bled

Lake Bled, a popular tourist attraction, is a glacial lake in northwestern Slovenia located in the Julian Alps. Its attractions include Bled Castle, Bled Island, churches, a variety of outdoor activities and natural sights, and more. Lake Bled itself is not large for an individual can possibly to walk around the perimeter of the lake in about three hours. Lake Bled has a breathtaking environment which happens to be surrounded by mountains and forest.

2. Soca Valley

Soca Valley is a hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fly-fishing haven for it is dominated by Europe’s most beautiful river, the Soca River. It is a 140 kilometer long river that runs from the western part of Slovenia to the northeastern part of Italy. The valley is full of wonderful colors, with pools, waterfalls, ravines and canyons. The emerald-colored water makes it know to be a “fairytale valley”. In the upper region of the Soca Valley, tourist could visit Bovec, town which offers world class adventure sports.

3. Julian Alps

If you’re an athlete who loves mountain biking, mountain hiking, or Nordic walking, you opt to go to Julian Alps. Julian Alps, carved with white limestone, is the highest mountain range in Slovenia which can be reached from three different directions, Dolina Sedmerih Jezer, Voje valley, or. Pokljuka. Its highest peak is Mount Triglav where the Triglav National Park protects the area. While traversing the Julian Alps, you can see the soaring peaks, rivers with clear water, thick forest, deep valleys, with meadows filled with flowers, and breathtaking waterfalls.

4. National Gallery (Narodna galerija)

The National Gallery of Slovenia is the main art museum which contains a lot of large visual collections. The building where the National Gallery can be located was constructed in 1896. It was also served as the city’s center for performances by numerous national societies because of its 160-seating capacity plus its basement contains a gymnasium. From 1918 upto the present time, the National Gallery has been the home of Slovenia art collections from the Middles ages upto the 20^th century. It is open from 10:00 – 18:00 Mondays, and admission is free on Saturdays after 14:00 and is closed during Holidays.

5. Saint Nicholas Church

Saint Nicholas Church located in Ljubljana, Slovenia was consecrated in 1707, 6 years after the construction of the building was started. The church was fashioned and dedicated to St. Nicholas by the boatmen and fishermen of Ljubljana. The interiors of the church are not remarkably huge however beautiful for it contains a lot of frescoes line which line the archways, with a vaulted ceiling above the altar. It has been a well-known tourist attraction for the ambiance within the church depicts 1,250 years of Christianity in Slovenia which brings excitement and amazement to its visitors.

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