Ljubljana

Ljubljana (IPA {{IPA|//}}), German Laibach ({{IPA|/'lɑɪbax/}}), Italian Lubiana ({{IPA|/lʊb'jɑ:na/}}) is the capital of Slovenia, situated on the outfall of the river Ljubljanica into the Sava, in central Slovenia, between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Population: 265,881 (2002).

History

Although the Roman settlement Emona (Colonia Emona (Aemona) Iulia tribu Claudia) was erected in 15 AD, the first records mentioning Ljubljana by its modern name date to 1144 (by its German name Laibach) and 1146 (by name Luwigana).

Related Topics:
Roman - Emona - 15 AD - 1144 - German - Laibach - 1146

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After receiving its town rights in 1220, Ljubljana came under Habsburg rule in 1335, became the seat of the diocese in 1461, and developed into a Slovenian cultural centre during the late Middle Ages. The Habsburg rule was only interrupted by the Napoleonic wars, and between 1809 and 1813 Ljubljana was the capital of the French Illyrian provinces. In 1821 the city hosted the Congress of Laibach. While under Austrian rule, Ljubljana was the capital of Carniola.

Related Topics:
1220 - Habsburg - 1335 - 1461 - Middle Ages - Napoleonic wars - 1809 - 1813 - French - Illyrian provinces - 1821 - Congress of Laibach - Carniola

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

With the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, Ljubljana became the seat of the Dravska banovina. In April 1941 it was occupied by Italy and on February 23 1942 Italians completely encircled it with 32 km of barbwire and thus effectively turned it into the largest war camp in Europe with very restricted access through checkpoints. For that Josip Broz Tito awarded Ljubljana in 1955 with the Hero City title. Ljubljana was the first Yugoslav city to obtain this title.

Related Topics:
Austro-Hungarian Empire - 1918 - Banovina - April - 1941 - Italy - February 23 - 1942 - Italians - Europe - Josip Broz Tito

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After World War II it was the capital of the Yugoslav socialist republic of Slovenia. Ljubljana remained the capital city when Slovenia gained independence in 1991 after a ten day war with the federal army of Yugoslavia.

Related Topics:
World War II - Yugoslav - 1991

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~