Union Hotel, Ljubljana
In 1895 a large earthquake in Ljubljana flattened large parts of the city. The timing of the quake was perfectly aligned for incoming architects to build excellent examples of Art Nouveau style buildings that were popular in many western European cities at the time.
Examples of Art Nouveau can also be found in throughout Vienna, Austria as well.
One of my favorite aspects of the Art Nouveau style is the ornate stone and plaster work on the outside facades of the buildings. There is something about the mixture of the very geometric straight lines and the curving scrolls and organic forms taken from nature that make the style pleasing to my eye.
While we were walking through Ljublana I spotted the Union Hotel which was a great example of the style. It is just a stones through from the main square in the center of town, just behind the church. Definately worth the short walk if you are in the area.
