Kranj is the administrative and cultural hub of the Gorenjska (Upper Carniola) region and the fourth-largest city in Slovenia. It is located 35 minutes away from Ljubljana and 25 minutes from Lake Bled. The medieval centre of Kranj is situated at the confluence of the Kokra and Sava rivers. Kranj is an exciting mix of culture, history, and nature, offering a spectacular view of the Slovenian Alps and boasting a rich 6,000-year-old history. The old town has much to offer, including historic religious sites, cultural museums, and contemporary art galleries. During the Second World War, 1300 meters of tunnels were built beneath the Historic Town Centre to shelter the city’s people. Although Kranj may not be a big city, it has many attractions. Here are a few must-visit places if you travel through this part of Slovenia.
Main Square (Mastrov Trg)
The Main Square (Mastrov Trg) is a long, narrow square in the heart of Kranj. It is a bustling hub of the city, with restaurants and cafées. You will find the Parish Church of St Kancijan, the Preseren Theatre, many galleries, museums, and the tourist office here.
The fountain on the northern side of the Main Square was reconstructed in 1837, replacing the 16th-century fountain that originally stood in its place.
Maister Square, named after General Rudolf Maister, who protected the city of Maribor from Austro-Hungary during the First World War, marks the entrance to the historic Old Town.
Plečnik stairs, arcades and fountains
The most famous Slovenian architect, Jože Plečnik, was hired to transform the city the Western way.
At the top of Vodopivec Street, he created a grand entrance to the city consisting of stairs, arches, and a fountain.
On the west side is an arcade of Doric columns and overlapping arches, and under the last flight of steps is a fountain with an obelisk with a rooster and a four-tiered square water tank.
Kokra River Gorge
The old town of Kranj rises above the 30-meter-deep gorge of the river Kokra, the second-deepest urban gorge in Europe.
This river gorge offers a pleasant 30-minute walk through nature in the middle of town.
The path through the Kokra gorge connects to the old town in two places: the high bridge over the Kokra and the street Kokrški breg.
Church of St. Cantianus and Companions
The parish church in Kranj is known as one of the best examples of a hall church in the country.
It is located in Main Square in the centre of Old Town and is the most distinctive building in the city.
There is little decoration on the façade, save for the relief of the Mount of Olives in the tympanum above the portal, carved in 1440. The interior has three naves, and during its restoration in 2004, medieval frescoes were found in the star vault.
Pungert
The area at the tip of the rock on which the old town of Kranj stands is called Pungert.
At Pungert, you will find the only wholly preserved medieval defence tower renovated from the 16th century. Near the tower, a Gothic church was built in the 15th century and dedicated to St. Sebastian, Fabian and Rochus, the saints that were believed to give protection against the plague.
Located on the park’s edge and surrounding most of the Kokra River, this space is a popular gathering place in summer.
A few steps away, an observation point is built on top of a cliff above Kokra, offering views of the river valley and the industrial area next to the Sava River.
Town Hall
The old town hall consists of two houses that are joined together. The House on the corner is older and has a storage room for goods sold at fairs. The right-side building with the large entrance on the main square is one of Slovenia’s most beautiful Renaissance castles, dating from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Nowadays, it hosts three outstanding permanent exhibitions: The Gorenjska Museum, The Iron Thread, Folk Art in the Gorenjska Region, and the collection by the sculptor Lojze Dolinar.
Prešeren Theater
The Prešern Theatre in Kranj, a protected historic site, was designed by the renowned Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik in the 1950s.
It is one of Slovenia’s smallest professional theatres, with a cast of only nine actors.
Layer House
Layer’s House, the former home of Leopold Layer (1752-1828), a renowned Slovene painter, has recently been renovated into a versatile arts space. The space features an excellent café with sweeping views over the old town walls and a museum with several permanent exhibitions.
Khislstein Castle
The castle was built in the 13th century on the Sava River to guard its pier and bridges. Its present appearance dates from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Khislstein Castle is now home to a Gorenjska Museum branch dedicated to the Alpine region’s flora and fauna. The castle’s arcaded courtyard hosts summer festivals.
Dr. France Prešeren Memorial Museum
A memorial museum was established on February 8, 1964, in the House where Dr. France Prešeren, the most prominent Slovenian poet, lived from autumn 1846 until February 8, 1849.
On the ground floor is a gallery with various exhibitions about the poet’s life, work, and name.
Local Food
Many of the restaurants in Kranj serve international and traditional food, and it seems fitting to experience and sample some of the local recipes.
The most famous dish in Kranj is Kranjska Klobasa, also known as Carniolan sausage, the most well-known Slovenian food. It was first named “Kranjska” in 1896 and became a protected dish in 2015. Other dishes you must try are Potica, Štruklji, Kraški Pršut, also known as Karst Prosciutto, Prežganka, Žganci etc.
So, if you are travelling through Slovenia, take a day to visit the enchanting town of Kranj. You won’t regret it!