Jože Plečnik was the greatest Slovenian and world-renowned architect. He was an architect, who transformed the image of Ljubljana. Born on January 23rd 1872 in Ljubljana, died on January 7th 1957 in his home in Trnovo. Here he also visited the public school, afterwards he applied in Graz to Art and Crafts school. He applied to Wien Art School in year 1895, at that time Otto Wagner presided over the department of architecture. After graduation Plečnik worked in his studio. Between year 1911 and 1921 he was a professor at Art and Crafts school in Prague. In year 1920 he was also named as the architect of the Prague castle, at the same time he accepted the professor position in the newly formed Faculty of architecture in Ljubljana. Because of that he moved to Ljubljana next year. Until the year 1934 he participated in renovations of the Prague castle, therefore he frequently travelled between Prague and Ljubljana.

His most important works are the National and University library, Žale (The garden of the holy), Cobblers’ bridge, bridge over Gradaščica, Three bridges with Covered markets, Križanke, Bežigrad stadion and church of St. Francis of Assisi in Šiška. He also edited Vegova cesta up to Trnovo road, as well as Trnovo Pier and embankments of Ljubljanica.

In the sixties and seventies of the previous century his works were neglected, but with new image in eighties and nineties came a new era with use of classical shapes and motives in architecture. With that the interest for Plečnik’s creations was renewed, especially after to Plečnik dedicated Paris exhibition in year 1986. After him was also named the biggest Slovenian recognition in the area of architecture, so from year 1973 every year the Fund of Jože Plečnik publishes a tender for Plečnik reward and Plečnik medals.

In Ljubljana there are six monuments dedicated to Plečnik, the oldest among them is the one in Križanke. His image was also on a former bill for 500 tolars, behind him was the facade of National and university library in Ljubljana. On today’s coin for 10 cents is depicted his Cathedral of freedom (Slovenian parliament), which was never built.

See other historical figures!