Franciscan Church of the Annunciation

The Franciscan Church of the Annunciation is the church you cannot miss in Ljubljana. It stands on the north side of Prešeren Square, the busy central square of the capital, across from the Triple Bridge, and its salmon-pink facade, one of the best-known colours in the city, makes it a natural meeting point and a landmark. Visitors often use it to orient themselves, and many people say they will meet at the pink church. Behind the colour, the building has a quieter story, and a look inside is well worth the few minutes it takes.

The church was built in the middle of the seventeenth century, between 1646 and 1660, for the Franciscan order, which has been present in Ljubljana since the Middle Ages. It is in the Baroque style, with a relatively plain exterior that reserves its ornament for the interior, and it was altered and repaired over the centuries, with work in the nineteenth century and a major restoration in the late twentieth. The facade is set back slightly from the square, with a statue of the Virgin Mary in a niche and a simple triangular pediment, and a flight of steps leads up from the street. A sculpture of the poet France Prešeren stands on the square in front, so the church, the monument and the bridge form a well-known urban group.

Inside, the church has a richly decorated Baroque interior, typical of Carniolan churches of the period, with altars, sculpture and gilding. The main altar and several side altars are the work of artists who worked in Ljubljana in the eighteenth century, among them the Venetian-trained sculptor Francesco Robba, who left his mark on much of the city, including the Robba Fountain in front of the Town Hall. Paintings, carved pulpits and ornate decoration fill the space, giving an atmosphere of quiet devotion that contrasts strongly with the bustle of the square outside. The adjoining Franciscan monastery has a historic library, though it is not generally open to the public.

Entry to the church is free, and it is open at set hours, usually including midday and at times for Mass, though hours can vary, so look for a notice on the door or enquire at the parish. As this is a working church, dress modestly, keep your voice down and avoid taking photographs during services. Guided tours may be available by arrangement.

The church is at the centre of the sights of Ljubljana. Dragon Bridge and Butchers' Bridge cross the Ljubljanica nearby, Ljubljana Central Market and Ljubljana Cathedral line the riverbank, Ljubljana Castle looks down from its hill, and Congress Square, Križanke, Cukrarna and the City Museum of Ljubljana are within a short walk. The Free Walking Tour begins close to the church, and the Trough of 700 Bronze Faces and the Cemetery For Slovenian Notables offer more to explore.

It suits architecture lovers and anyone passing through the square. Allow fifteen minutes. Upon entering, the colour of the facade gives way to gold and shadow. The Baroque-style church lies in the Center District of Ljubljana and Slovenia’s capital has no more recognisable meeting point.