Slovenia history
The Slovene cry for independence was finally recognised in 1990. After centuries of being conquered, occupied and divided up by other nations, Slovenia is basking in its new found freedom and is a fully fledged member of the European Union (EU), which it joined in 2004.
Not only does Slovenia have incredibly beautiful scenery, it has a rich history spanning more than a thousand years. Slovenia is dotted with remnants from the days of the ancient Romans and the Austrian Habsburg family who ruled for most of the Middle Ages up until the first World War.
Quick fact!
Old Vine in Maribor is over 400 years old: the oldest vine in the world.
19th century
The only parts of Slovenia not ruled by the Habsburgs during this period were the coastal towns which were dominated by the Venetians. There was also a brief four year interlude during the early 19th century when French emperor Napoleon ruled and the Illyrian Provinces were created. The main city, Ljubljana, is today the capital of Slovenia.
During his rule Napoleon introduced a more liberal education system to the country which was largely German influenced. For the first time the Slovene language was taught in schools which sowed a seed of national pride and caused an abundance of Slovenian literature. During the 19th century the formation of independent political parties strengthened the Slovene desire for autonomy.
Quick fact!
The first book in Slovenian was printed in 1550, but the first written document in the Slovenian language had been written about 500 years before.
1900 – 1945
By the early 20th century the Hapsburgs, who were back in control, were weakening and the defeat by the Allies in World War I finished their reign. After the war the spoils of Slovenia were divided up, with the western part given to Italy, northern Carinthia becoming part of Austria, and the south joining with the Serbs and Croats to form the new Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes.
This new kingdom changed names again in the 1920s when king Alexander pronounced it Yugoslavia. Despite the large size of Yugoslavia, and Slovene resistance to the occupation, it was no match for the Germans in World War II who easily invaded.
Yugoslavia’s liberation from the Nazis by the Russians in 1945 effectively transferred control from one country to another. Yugoslavia like most eastern European countries at the time was controlled by a communist style of government until the latter part of the 20th century.
1948 – present
However, unlike other Eastern Bloc countries, Yugoslavia’s ruler Josip Tito split from Stalin in 1948 and created a Soviet satellite state. Under Tito Slovenia, as part of Yugoslavia, enjoyed more economic growth and personal freedom than it would have otherwise. In fact although it only made up 8% of the Yugoslav population it produced 20% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
Many Slovenes resented the distribution of resources to other parts of Yugoslavia though and by the time Tito died in 1980, cracks had started to appear. Opposition parties again formed in Slovenia to push for independence. The country held a referendum in 1990 and decided in favour of breaking away from Yugoslavia. Slovenia has slowly been strengthening its national identity ever since and today is a popular European tourist destination.
Slovenian language and culture
Culture of Slovenia
From traditional folklore and modern dance to literature and artworks, Slovenia’s cultural heritage is one of the country’s most appreciated values worldwide. It would be a shame not to explore it any further, especially if you’re in for a well-planned cultural holiday sometime in the near future.
Music
From a historical point of view, the evolution of classical music during the Renaissance and Baroque movements has been quite prolific. The early 20th century brought new additions to the opera genres through impressionism and avant-garde classical music – Marij Kogoj, Slavko Osterc and Uroš Krek are only a few notable composers.
Slovenia is also popular for instrumental and country music. Folk musician Slavko Avsenik and his band made themselves known worldwide for their unique musical expression in “Trumpet Echoes”, one of the greatest instrumental compositions in the country’s musical culture.
Arts and architecture
The National Gallery of Slovenia and the Museum of Modern Art in Ljubljana will show you everything there is to learn about visual arts and architecture. Slovenian cities encompass a variety of architectural styles that are specific to different regions and cultural movements. Max Fabiani was the first to introduce modern architecture in his urban plans, following the damage caused by the 1895 earthquake in Ljubljana.
Neoclassicism and Romanticism influenced the painters and sculptors of 19th century Slovenia. Most statues in the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Theatre building were made by the famous sculptor Alojz Gangl, who was also the author of the public monument depicting Valentin Vodnik, a notable poet and journalist of the Slovenian Enlightenment period.
Festivals and traditions
The Ljubljana Summer Festival hosts a variety of music events – if you’ve planned your trip in late July or early August, there will be plenty of rock, jazz, opera and ballet to entertain you. The Lent International Summer Festival takes place at the end of June in the lovely city of Maribor. Join this festival for two weeks of opera, ballet and jazz music from all around the world.
Languages of Slovenia
Slovenian is the official language and is spoken by the majority of the population. Slovenia is ranked as one of the top European countries regarding the knowledge of foreign languages. Croatian is spoken by 57% of the population, closely followed by English (52%) and German (47%).
Basic Slovenian words and phrases
Hello – Živjo
Goodbye – Nasvidenje
Please – Prosim
Thank you – Hvala
Yes – Da
No – Ne
My name is… – Ime mi je…
I don’t speak Slovenian – Slabo govorim slovensko
Slovenia weather
Weather conditions vary markedly in Slovenia because of its different climatic influences. It has a ‘Continental Climate’ in the east, an ‘Alpine Climate’ in the northwest and ‘sub-Mediterranean Climate’ in the coast and lowlands. On average the summers are warm and winters are chilly. It is not a very windy country, though prevailing gusts from the Alps can be icy at times and heavy snowfall is common in the mountains during winter.
Spring in Slovenia
Though late spring can be rainy, spring overall is a great time to visit Slovenia when the lowlands are full of wildflowers and the days are longer. Average highs on the coast can range between 8°C – 17°C, while lingering snow in the north can keep average lows below 7°C. Dress appropriately for where you happen to be visiting; lighter clothing for the coast and heavier items in the north.
Summer in Slovenia
Most visitors to Slovenia arrive in the summer months, especially July and August when thetemperatures can hit the mid 20s°C. The sunny, dry weather is perfect for hiking and camping, keep a look out for evening thunderstorms in the mountains though! You’ll want to pack lightweight cotton clothing with an extra jumper or jacket for the odd blustery evening.
Autumn in Slovenia
September is a great month to visit coastal resorts; it’s still warm enough to swim and prices are lower! By October and November the days are shorter and temperatures can fall below the mid-teens. Most tourists have vacated so cheap holidays are possible – if you don’t mind the rain. October is Slovenia’s most precipitous month so be sure to pack a raincoat and umbrella if visiting then!
Winter in Slovenia
Winter months are chilly, especially in the mountainous north with heavy snowfall making it perfect for skiers. Temperatures generally fall below freezing in Slovenia with average lows of -4°C in January, the coldest month. Ski season extends well into late February and March; expect lows of -3°C and possible highs of 4°C. Heavyweight winter clothing is recommended for visiting in this season.
Average temperatures in Ljubljana, Maribor and Kranjska Gora
Average rainfall in Ljubljana, Maribor and Kranjska Gora
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