Cobblers’ Bridge

A nod to architect Plečnik

Room 11 has a stunning view of one of Ljubljana’s most iconic bridges, which is also a popular meeting spot for Ljubljana locals, and boasts a bright, luxurious bathroom.

The Cobblers’ Bridge (Šuštarski most) was designed by Slovenia’s greatest architect Jože Plečnik. The master architect designed the bridge as a square perched above the Ljubljanica, whose platform was to make up for the lack of open space in the old city core. Plečnik’s creative hand also left a mark on the room, as it features a replica of one of his original chairs.

A peek into history …

Cobblers’ Bridge then and now

The Cobblers’ or Shoemakers’ Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in Slovenia, second only to Ljubljana’s Triple Bridge. It already occupied this spot back in the Middle Ages, when it was used for commercial purposes to compensate for the narrow streets of  Novi trg (New Square). Butchers were the first to do business here, but were moved down the river in 1614, near today’s open-air market. When the old wooden bridge burnt down in 1854 it was replaced with a new one. This time around it was occupied by shoemakers and their booths, hence the name Cobblers’ Bridge.

When the new cast iron bridge became too narrow the city officials approached architect Plečnik to design a new one. The great architect envisaged it as a broad, balustraded platform. Some versions of his design show the bridge covered with a pergola providing shade in the summer heat, but the traffic on the bridge made this solution impossible. The bridge was completed in 1931.