Most Epic Myths and Legends About Ljubljana’s Dragon Bridge

Photo by Zan on Unsplash

Ljubljana, Slovenia is often described as “the city of dragons”, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Dragon Bridge is one of its most recognizable symbols. There are many myths and legends surrounding this fairytale-like structure, and they will make you see it in a whole new light.

Jason and the Argonauts

If you’re a fan of Greek mythology, you’re already familiar with the Argonauts leader Jason, and his quest for the Golden Fleece. Legend has it he reached a large lake near Ljubljana after sailing across the Black Sea, where Jason fought and defeated the dragon.

St. George

Another myth, that’s much closer to Slovenian culture, has St. George killing the dragon with a spear. St. George also happens to be the patron saint of the castle chapel, which is a part of the Ljubljana Castle complex.

Slavic Mythology

In Slavic mythology, the god Veles – seen as the opponent of the supreme thunder god Perun – often takes a shape of a dragon. This god is usually worshiped lower in the city, near the marketplace, so it’s not a coincidence that Ljubljana’s main market is located only a few seconds away from the Dragon Bridge.