Hotels near Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most)

Built 1900-1901 by Dalmatian engineer Jurij Zaninović in Vienna Secession style, the Dragon Bridge is one of the most distinctive Art Nouveau bridges in Europe. Four bronze dragons (the symbol of Ljubljana) guard each corner; the dragons are based on the city's coat of arms. The bridge was Vienna's first major reinforced-concrete structure when built, and it spans the Ljubljanica river just east of the Central Market.

Legend holds that the dragons wag their tails when a virgin crosses the bridge - a joke locals share with most tourists. The original 1901 cast-iron lampposts still line the parapets and are lit at night. The dragons themselves are restored every 25 years; the latest restoration finished in 2018. Free to cross at any time. The best photos are from the Resljeva Cesta downstream embankment.

Pro Tip: Walk underneath the bridge along the river embankment - it gets few visitors and the underside reveals the original cast-iron rivets and concrete arch. Continue east 200 metres for views of Petkovškovo nábrežje wine bars.