Narcissus Fountain Ljubljana
Of beauty and its risk
Tina from Ljubljana
Only a stone's throw away from The Fountain of Three Carniolan Rivers (also known as Robba Fountain) there is another fountain. Minor in size but not in grace, it is assumed to have been made by the same Italian sculptor Francesco Robba, whom we, Slovenian art historians, treat as our own, since he not only took over the workshop of our stonemason Luka Mislej, but also swiped his daughter of her feet and married her.
Inside the City Hall's atrium, hidden in the furthest corner, lingers young Narcissus, admiring his own image in the water. Made of stone somewhere around the middle of the 18th century, he tells a story of a tragic metamorphosis. A boy so handsome, that all maidens would fall in love with him, was cursed to be enchanted by his own reflection. Never able to fulfill desires, he sadly withered away and turned into a flower – a daffodil otherwise named Narcis. So it doesn't pay off to like yourself too much, does it?
And another bit of historic candy while I'm at it: I myself find Robba's life quite mysterious, due to the lack of preserved information. Most tour or travel guides will state that he moved to Zagreb in the autumn of his life. Probably false. He most certainly died there, but the last art historian research proposes he never left Ljubljana and was working for Croatian contractors from a distance, only visiting when necessary.
Ljubljana Spotter Tina
Our Ljubljana City Guide
Find your way with 95 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Ljubljana
Northern City Park
Yo ho ho and a bust or a few!
"Northern City Park" in Ljubljana is a great choice when it comes to going for walk - I love the busts of important authors & the sea-themed playground!
by
Tina
Kralj
Črno Zrno
Colombian cold brew coffee
"Črno Zrno" in Ljubljana makes some specialty cold brew coffee that's truly unique - it's served in wine glasses and it has beer, like foam!
by
Miha
Poredoš
Vinska klet Brataševec–Trošt
Liters good wine
"Vinska klet Brataševec–Trošt" Ljublana is a wine shop that stores wines from the Vipava valley in south Slovenia that you can buy as well as taste there.
by
Tjasa
Janovljak
MGL
Back to the theatre?
"MGL" Ljubljana City Theatre is one of my favorite theaters. You can also watch it online for free on their Youtube channel...
by
Tina
Kralj
Cafetino
The world in one cup
"Cafetino" in Ljubljana WILL make your head spine from there choice in coffee. My classic choice is the Yemen mocha, but you really can't go wrong here...
by
Tina
Kralj
Gostilna Vida
Meal in a fairytale jungle
"Gostilna Vida" is a restaurant in Ljubljana that makes me feel as if I'm inside a jungle! I like it because it has something for every strange need...
by
Tina
Kralj
Edifice Meksika
"Viva Mexico" in Ljubljana?
"Edifice Meksika" was the first collective residential building for workers by the city of Ljubljana. I love the frescoes by Rihard Jakopič inside it...
by
Tina
Kralj
Barbarella Juicebar
Keeping it JUICY
"Barbarella Juicebar" in Ljubljana has amazing juices - their 'good morning' juice has literally saved my life - but they also make great healthy brunch!
by
Tina
Kralj
Cankarjev Dom Tapestries
Brotherhood and unity
Recently restored "Cankarjev Dom Tapestries" in Ljubljana was the first Yugoslav tapestry exhibition space - it has one from each ex-Yugoslav republic.
by
Tina
Kralj
Rihard Jakopič
Artist, entrepreneur or both?
"Rihard Jakopič" was a great artist & entrepreneur in Ljubljana. He created the very first exhibition space in the city. This is his statue...
by
Tina
Kralj
The Hologram of Europe
Stones that heal
"The Hologram of Europe" in Ljubljana is a piece of land art, a healing lithopuncture work that serves to heal the Earth and also represent the EU...
by
Tina
Kralj
Gud Shop
Where "everything is good"
You will find "Gud Shop" in Ljubljana has so many hip international and Slovenian products that make perfect souvenirs - something for every wallet!
by
Tina
Kralj
Heading to Ljubljana?
95 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Ljubljana?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 95 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Ljubljana
Get to know our other Spotters from Ljubljana
As featured on:
