Our story
Since 1896
At the centre of it all, throughout the centuries
If you’re from Ljubljana, you know Zlata ladjica. It’s that notable old house by the river in the most beautiful part of the old town. Over the course of more than four centuries it has been a lively venue for the city’s goings-on. Under its roof it has hosted and accommodated goldsmiths, shoemakers, merchants, a famous inn, and more
Now carefully renovated, Zlata ladjica has been transformed into a charming boutique hotel.
Ideally located, it pampers its guests with all of the modern comforts they could desire. One of only a few free-standing buildings in the old town of Ljubljana it offers stunning views of its surroundings, telling stories of the city and its people in its own, unique way.
A journey through Ljubljana begins at Zlata ladjica.
Proud of our heritage
Zlata ladjica is special in more ways than one, and is also a heritage-listed building. This
means that we had to approach its renovation with very special care. With the help of skilful
restoration specialists, we succeeded in preserving the building’s many curiosities, which had been left to deteriorate for many years before we came in.
Many elements that serve as testimony of its splendid past, such as arches, wall paintings, wooden ceilings, parts of the original roof construction, stone portals, and original foundations were carefully revealed and their stories woven into the hotel rooms, giving
each of them their own unique character.had been left to deteriorate for many years before we came in.
11th century
Recent archaeological excavations reveal the oldest known smithy in Ljubljana.
Turn of the 15th and 16th centuries
Jurčič Square, where the building stands today, is part of the so-called Ljubljana ghetto. The ceramic image of a face found amidst archaeological excavations originates from that time.
16thand 17th centuries
The first record of the building and its first known depiction in a veduta originates from the 17th century.
1877
The building is located on the square originally called Artisans’ Square. Through history, the building accommodated different merchants, a goldsmith’s workshop, and a leather shop. For a short period in the mid-19th century the square was called Prešeren Square, after Slovenia’s greatest poet and author of the celebrated ballad Water Man, which inspired one of the rooms.
1895
The building was once one of four connected buildings lining the Ljubljanica river past Novi Trg (New Square) to the Breg Embankment. When Ljubljana was hit by the great earthquake of 1895, all three houses next to Zlata ladjica were badly damaged.
1913/1914
The three damaged houses were pulled down during the regulation of the Ljubljanica, with only Zlata ladjica remaining. With the regulation, a new street was laid out between the hotel and the river, which is where the hotel entrance is today.
1926
The Zlata ladjica inn opens on the ground floor of the building, and the name has stuck to this day. The building is said to have got its name from the myth of Jason and the Argonauts, who stole the Golden Fleece and sailed on their ship Argo to the Black Sea, and from there all the way to Ljubljana.
1960
Heavy traffic past the Zlata ladjica building was the reason why part of the eastern wall was broken-off around 1960 in order for it to run parallel with the Ljubljanica.
2018
Renovation of the heritage-listed building is launched.
2021
Opening of the renovated Zlata ladjica hotel with gastropub and restaurant.
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