The Provincial Mansion, home of the University of Ljubljana, to shine in its restored historic appearance
Arhiv UL
Date of publication:
The Provincial Mansion, home to the University of Ljubljana, is undergoing a façade renovation that will restore its historical appearance. The building, protected by the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia (ZVKDS), will keep its original character while receiving the necessary restoration work. The renovation, which began last September, is expected to be completed by the end of April 2025.
According to ZVKDS, the façade restoration follows the colour scheme established during the last comprehensive renovation between 2002 and 2004, based on probe surveys conducted at that time. During restoration work on the turrets, traces of golden-yellow paint from the previous renovation were discovered, though they had been covered by a patina due to atmospheric pollution.
As this is a façade restoration rather than a full-scale renovation, repairs are being carried out only where necessary to prevent further deterioration. The primary goal is to preserve and protect the façade from additional damage.
The renovation of the University of Ljubljana’s headquarters is estimated to cost EUR 780,086.62 (including VAT) and is co-financed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, which is contributing EUR 569,790.00 as part of its higher education maintenance funding for 2024 and 2025.
Construction of the building, now serving as the University’s headquarters, began in 1899 and was completed in 1902. Initially, it housed the Carniolan Regional Assembly and Provincial Committee, before becoming the seat of Slovenia’s first university upon its founding in 1919.
Designed as a Renaissance-style palace, the Provincial Mansion adapts to the uneven terrain with a ground floor and three upper floors on Gosposka Street, while featuring an elevated ground floor and two upper floors on the other sides. The representative first floor, in the wing facing Congress Square, includes a conference room opening onto a balcony – formerly the Provincial Governor’s conference room. On the opposite side, facing Peternelova Street, lies the Assembly Hall, accessible via a staircase from Vegova Street. The first floor also houses other richly decorated rooms, while the second floor features the particularly ornate reception room of the Provincial Governor, which was once connected to his private quarters.