NUK - National and University Library. The building was constructed on the site of a late Renaissance princely mansion, which was badly damaged in the earthquake of 1895. The plan for the library was prepared by the architect Jože Plečnik as early as 1927, and foundations were laid in 1936.
Completed in 1941, Plečnik understood the library as a "sanctuary of spirituality". The trapezoidal structure features four tracts surrounding an inner courtyard. A monumental intermediate stairway in black marble and a peristyle with 32 marble columns connects the main entrance from Turjaška Street with the large reading room.
The large reading room, with 240 seats, is a popular refuge for students. The interior boasts handcrafted furnishings, making NUK Plečnik's most important work in Ljubljana. As the national library, its mission is to preserve the Slovenian written cultural heritage.
On 28 July 2021, the National and University Library was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of "Jože Plečnik's Work in Ljubljana – Urban Design Tailored to Man."
The library's history dates back to 1774, following a decree by Empress Maria Theresa. Despite initial lack of support from the Belgrade government, mass student demonstrations eventually led to the construction of this masterpiece. During WWII, the building survived the crash of an Italian postal plane in 1944, which destroyed 60,000 books. It was fully renovated and reopened in 1947.
Sources: Register of Cultural Heritage, Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia; Marjan Krušič, Peter Skoberne, Gojko Zupan, Anton Gosar.