Biggest Cities In Slovenia

Where Is Slovenia?

Slovenia is located strategically in southern Central Europe at the crossroads of the trade and cultural routes of Europe. Italy, Hungary, Austria, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea borders the country at different sides. The 20,273 square km country houses a population of 2.06 million. The country is a parliamentary republic, and its capital city is Ljubljana. Here we describe some of the important features of Slovenia’s biggest cities and towns.

The Five Biggest Cities Of Slovenia

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is Slovenia’s biggest city and the seat of government in the country. The city has a long and rich history. It was once the site of Emona, an ancient Roman city and from the Middle Ages to 1918 until the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Ljubljana was under Habsburg rule. The city is strategically situated between the trade route that connects the Danube region to the northern Adriatic Sea. Currently, it is the economic, political, administrative, and educational hub of the country. The major industries active in this city include food processing, pharmaceuticals, and petrochemicals. Transport, skilled trades, construction, banking, finance, etc., are the other major employers active in this region. Ljubljana hosts over 10,000 cultural events including many international arts, theater, and music festivals.

Maribor

Maribor is Slovenia’s second biggest city and the seat of the City Municipality of Maribor. Maribor hosts a number of historical structures such as the Water Tower, the Judgement Tower, the Jewish Tower, and others. The Maribor Cathedral and the Maribor Synagogue are religious buildings constructed in the 13th and 14th centuries respectively. Several castles like the Betnava Catle, Maribor Castle, etc., are present in this city. The University of Maribor and several other educational institutions are also located in Maribor. The city witnesses several cultural celebrations throughout the year, the major one being the two-week Lent Festival that is held every June. The city is also known for its culinary specialities and wine.

Celje

Celje is the third largest city in Slovenia. The city is City Municipality of Celje's administrative seat. Celje also serves as a regional center of the Styria, a traditional Slovenian region. Celje is located at the confluence of four rivers in the Lower Savinja Valley below the 1,335 feet tall Upper Celje Castle. The city is at an elevation of 781 feet above sea level. In 1991, the city of Celje became a part of independent Slovenia following the Ten-Day War. The Grayfriars' monastery that was established in 1241 and a palace founded in the 16th century are the two major attractions of this Slovenian city.

Kranj

Ranking fourth among the biggest cities in Slovenia, Kranj is located only 20 km northwest of the capital city of the country, Ljubljana. The city acts as the center of the City Municipality of Kranj. It also serves as the regional center of the traditional region of Upper Carniola. Kranj is primarily an industrial city with electronics and rubber being the biggest industries here.

Velenje

Velenje is the fifth biggest city in Slovenia and the center of the Slovenian Municipality of Velenje. The city is located among rolling hills of the Šalek Valley in the northeastern part of the country. The Pohorje Mountains lie to the east of the city while the Kamnik-Savinja Alps lie to the west.