National and University Library
Built from 1936 to 1941, the National Library is architect Jože Plečnik's secular masterpiece. The external facades present a modernist version of an Italian Renaissance palazzo, using brick, stone, and even archaeological remains from excavations around Ljubljana. However, these are not arranged in registers as in a traditional palazzo but instead are scattered haphazardly over the entire exterior, creating a dynamic and three-dimensional look that makes the massive building seem light and airy. Inside is a beautiful, colonnaded black marble staircase and a reading room with huge windows at either end to let in light. Plečnik also designed the austere furniture in the reading room. Don't miss the beautiful horse-head door handles on the main entrance.
