Park Tivoli (Tivoli City Park), Ljubljana (must see)

During the era of French rule in 1813, engineer Jean Blanchard worked his magic and conjured up a park that, since 1835, has been known as Tivoli Park, named after a café and hotel bearing the same moniker. Today, it stands as the city's largest and most beloved recreational oasis. Blanchard's vision intertwined two existing mansion gardens, transforming them into a stunning parkland seamlessly integrated with the urban fabric, complete with flower beds, lush trees, elegant fountains, and elegant statues.

As you amble up the spacious Jakopič Promenade toward Tivoli Castle, you'll encounter the architectural finesse of Jože Plečnik, shaping an inviting space that often hosts sprawling photo exhibitions. Tivoli Castle itself, a 17th-century structure revamped in the 19th century with Neoclassical flair, commands attention. Guarding its entrance are four cast-iron dogs, standing proud beside a reconstructed Baroque fountain.

Elsewhere, the Cekin Mansion, nestled on the park's northern fringe, hosts the National Museum of Contemporary History. And don't miss out on Tivoli Pond, a serene spot perfect for contemplation. Nearby, a library springs to life outdoors during the summer and cozies up inside the greenhouse come winter. Speaking of the greenhouse, it's a delightful domain overseen by the Ljubljanica Botanical Gardens, housing an exotic array of tropical plants. Oh, and let's not forget the enchanting rose garden nearby.

Tivoli Park is peppered with sculptures, each with its own story to tell. Look out for the bronze sculpture of a boy with a whistle, and don't miss the extraordinary Coexistence sculpture, crafted by a Bosnian sculptor from a felled 300-year-old oak tree, adorned with bronze embellishments and draped in moss and lichen. And then there's the bronze statue paying homage to poet Edvard Kocbek, known for his existentialist philosophy and commitment to personalism.