Ljubljana is the capital and at the same time the largest city in Slovenia, which became an independent country in 1991. It is administrative, political, cultural, educational, economic and scientific center of Slovenia.
It is known as a cozy town that attracts many foreign visitors. Ljubljana has a rich historical past. Remains of piles that were created on a swampy world at the edge of the lake have been discovered on the Ljubljana Marshes. Since 2011 piles have been part of UNESCO's World Cultural History. Ljubljana has a picturesque old town, through which the Ljubljanica River flows, giving it an additional charm. The largest cultural and historical sights are the Ljubljana Castle, the symbol of the capital, the Ljubljanica River and the Triple Bridge, Preseren Square, Plecnik's Market, the Town Hall, the National Museum, the National Gallery and the Cankarjev dom, the congress and cultural center. The Dragon Bridge over the Ljubljanica River has replaced the older wooden one because it become too narow due to modern and more traffic. The bridge was built by the municipality. Because of saving they opted for a reinforced concrete structure that was cheaper than stone and at the same time more modern. The structure was then clad in concrete slabs and decorated in an Art Nouveau style by architect Jurij Zaninovic. According to his plans concrete paneling, sculptural decoration and balustrades were made.
Cooper sheet dragons have become a symbol of Ljubljana. The Dragon Bridge over the Ljubljanica River is one of the most authentic examples of secessionist architecture in Ljubljana. It is also the first real reinforced concrete structure in the city.