Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa and Antiq Hotel

Hotels in the historic town centre of Ljubljana

Nestled in the heart of the historic town centre of Ljubljana, once a location of the ancient Roman settlement of Emona (Iulia Aemona), lie two antique houses of tradition. The uniqueness of the houses is veiled in the rich history of their location, the main source of inspiration.
The bond between the past and the present, the link between the myth and reality, has been the inspiration and the central theme for Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa and Antiq Hotel. The name “Antiq” derives from the latin word “antiquus” meaning “ancient”, and refers to the ancient history of Ljubljana. As Napoleon once said the history was the version of past events that people have decided to agree upon. Perhaps that is why Slovenia’s capital is still marked by its mythical foundation. The foundation of the actual city of Ljubljana is believed to be around 10 years BC or precisely 2000 years ago, when the Roman settlers founded the colony of Emona on the grounds of the former Illyrian and Celtic settlement. The remnants of the city had existed for 500 years until the decline of Emona began with Marcus Aurelius’ invasion of the territory. 

A more romantic version of Emona’s birth

... is presented through the story of Jason and the Argonauts. Jason was an ancient Greek mythological hero and the leader of the Argonauts, who accompanied Jason on the quest for the Golden Fleece in the years prior to the Trojan War.
Their quest took their ship, named Argo, to Colchis (the coast of Georgia). After attaining the fleece and also a wife, Medea, Jason and his crew were returning from Colchis and (via the Black Sea, the Danube River, the Sava River and the Ljubljanica River) they arrived to what is now Ljubljana. Jason allegedly named the town Emona after his homeland Thessaly (at the time called Emonia).
Ljubljana’s Dragon is also said to be a monster in a lake between Ljubljana and Vrhnika that Jason slew. This mythical character is the key reference to one of Ljubljana’s most famous attractions, the Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most), and is also depicted on the official Coat of Arms of the city and symbolises the protector of Ljubljana.

The logo of Antiq is the symbol of Hercules’ head, the Greek demi-god and the ruler of the sea, which Romans worshiped as a real God. Hercules was also one of the mighty Greek warriers, who accompanied the Jason and the Argonauts in the quest for the Golden fleece.  On the Gornji Trg square, in front of the Antiq, stands Hercules Fountain, a modern interpretation of an older Baroque one, which was demolished at the end of the 18th century. The statue of Hercules is a copy of the original that now stands in the Town Hall lobby.

Both Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa and Antiq Hotel

... are located on the territory, which was once the heart of Emona, the Castle Hill and the necropolis. From the recent archaeological excavations, it was revealed that one of the ancient houses was the location of the roman workshop (fabrica), the centre of the military craftsmanship, and  another stands the boarder of the ancient wall that surrounded the roman city of Emona. The ancient artefacts collected from both locations date back to 10BC and as important cultural and historical discoveries have become exponents in several exhibitions dedicated to the history of Emona.
The unique location of Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa and Antiq Palace is also complimented by inimitable history of both buildings, the written records and the first mentioning of which date back to the beginnings of 16th Century of our era. Equally recognised as the historically and culturally protected monuments, Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa and Antiq Hotel have been the residences of several noble families.
The exceptionality of buildings lies in their history of continuous alterations and metamorphosis from baroque to classicistic style, which is still present in both residences until the current day. The ideas and inspiration for the renovation of Antiq and Antiq Palace were taken from the original features of the buildings such as walls, staircases, windows and  frescoes, which also became the centrepieces for the interior design. The use of the natural materials in both buildings such as stone, wood and lime helps the walls to “breathe” and thus stimulates the natural air circulation and pleasant air temperatures, which enable the guests to enjoy a good night sleep.

What also makes Antiq Palace & Spa and Antiq 

... an extraordinarily places to reside are the exceptionally peaceful and romantic location, although in the heart of the vibrant city and amid all the happening, and the state-of-art facilities, set to cater to event the savviest guests. Antiq Palace & Spa and Antiq residencies feature 30 guest suites, matchless in their design,  four unique conference & banqueting facilities, three peaceful and romantic gardens, a luxury day spa and a wellness centre, several reading and relaxation areas by a cosy fireplace, four hotel bars and stylish salons, several business corners and three reception areas. All to make our guests feel at ease and relaxed. For those with the passion for more lavish retreats Antiq Palace & Spa offers 13 spacious residential suites, ranging in size from 100-250 m2 with spacious double bedrooms with Egyptian cotton beddings, living rooms, dining areas with kitchen and bathrooms with lush Jacuzzi bathtubs.