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Less than a month after the disappearance of the first one from Tromostov, another stone ball went missing.
Slovenia🏛️ PoliticsCenter10 hr. ago

Less than a month after the disappearance of the first one from Tromostov, another stone ball went missing.

A second stone sphere has disappeared from the railing of the neighboring bridge at Ljubljana's Tromostovje, just over a month after the first one vanished. The Municipality of Ljubljana initially suspected vandalism, but this was not ruled out by the Slovenian Cultural Heritage Protection Institute (ZVKDS). The institute had already called for urgent repairs to the damaged section of the railing in June due to concerns about further deterioration. They emphasized that simply replacing the missing spheres is insufficient and that a comprehensive restoration plan, including infrastructure systems beneath the bridge, is necessary. The ZVKDS stressed that any restoration must follow cultural heritage protection principles, preserving original elements and using materials compatible with the originals. The municipality has been asked whether they know what happened to the first sphere and how they plan to address the loss of the second, but no answer has been provided yet.

The renovation of one of Ljubljana’s most cherished architectural landmarks has begun, marking a major step in preserving the city's cultural heritage. On August 3, 2026, work commenced on the restoration of the first Plečnik Arcade and the first shop, two remaining elements of the Plečnik Tržnica complex that had yet to undergo renewal. The project, which is expected to last until mid-November, will involve the repair of the roof, facades, interior fittings, and the asphalt beneath the arcades. It will be carried out in accordance with guidelines set by the Slovenian Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. The Municipal Office of Ljubljana emphasized that the area will be temporarily closed during construction, urging visitors to respect safety measures while noting that local shops and event spaces on Pogačar Square will remain open. The Plečnik Arcades are a key part of Ljubljana’s UNESCO-listed architectural heritage and among the most recognizable works of architect Jože Plečnik. The municipal office stated its goal is to preserve their historical and cultural value, ensuring they remain well-maintained for future generations. The site, located along Adamčić, Lundrov Embankment, has long been a symbol of the city’s artistic and urban identity, blending functionality with aesthetic beauty. This latest phase of the restoration follows years of planning and preparation, reflecting the city’s commitment to safeguarding its built environment against time and wear. Meanwhile, another piece of Ljubljana’s historic fabric has suffered a loss. A month after the disappearance of one of the stone balls from the railing of the Tromostovje bridge, a second ball was found missing from the adjacent bridge. The incident has raised concerns among officials and heritage experts alike. The Municipal Office of Ljubljana initially suspected vandalism, a theory that was not ruled out by the Slovenian Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage. However, neither party has confirmed the cause of the disappearances, nor have they provided details on how the missing pieces were removed or whether they were replaced. The Tromostovje bridge, originally constructed in 1842, stands on the site of an ancient wooden bridge that once connected regions of Central and Eastern Europe. In the 1920s and early 1930s, architect Jože Plečnik added two pedestrian bridges to the structure, enhancing both its function and visual appeal. Since 2021, the entire bridge has been recognized as part of Ljubljana’s selected Plečnik works and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Despite this status, the bridge has faced ongoing maintenance challenges, including structural deterioration that led to calls for urgent repairs. In June 2026, the Slovenian Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage urged the municipal office to address these issues immediately, emphasizing that merely replacing the missing stones would not suffice. Instead, a comprehensive restoration plan was recommended, including the overhaul of the infrastructure beneath the bridge. The institute stressed that all interventions must adhere to strict conservation principles, preserving original materials, using reversible techniques, and maintaining the integrity of the original design. These guidelines aim to ensure that any repairs contribute to the long-term preservation of the site rather than compromising its authenticity. Despite repeated requests for clarification, the municipal office has yet to provide detailed information regarding the fate of the first missing stone ball or the steps being taken to recover the second. Officials have acknowledged the importance of the issue but have not disclosed whether investigations into the disappearances are underway. Meanwhile, the public continues to monitor the situation, with many expressing concern over the potential impact on Ljubljana’s cultural landscape. As the city moves forward with its ambitious restoration projects, the recent incidents involving the Tromostovje bridge highlight the delicate balance between preserving history and addressing modern challenges. While the Plečnik Arcades represent a triumph of urban design, the loss of the stone balls serves as a reminder of the fragility of such heritage sites. Both developments underscore the need for continued investment in conservation efforts, ensuring that Ljubljana’s architectural legacy remains intact for future generations.

8 reports

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒CenterFactual 98Objective 955 days ago
The renovation of Plečnik's masterpiece is coming to an end, the arcade and the lodge are next.

The renovation of the first arcade and hall at Plečnik’s market in Ljubljana is set to begin on Monday, marking the final phase of a multi-year project to restore this UNESCO World Heritage site. The work, supervised by the Cultural Heritage Protection Institute of Slovenia, will include roof repairs, facade restoration, interior furnishings, and replacement of asphalt floors, expected to last until mid-November. Despite construction activity, daily operations at the central Ljubljana market will continue uninterrupted, with shops and event spaces functioning according to their usual schedule. This completion of the complex represents the culmination of efforts to fully restore the collection of works by Jože Plečnik in Ljubljana, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2021.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the completion of a cultural heritage restoration project without overt ideological framing. It focuses on the technical aspects of the renovation, the involvement of official institutions, and the impact on local operations, maintaining a balanced tone

Why factuality (98): The article accurately reports the start of the renovation of the first arcade and loggia at Plečnik's Market in Ljubljana, stating that the work will last until mid-November and is under strict supervision by the Cultural Heritage Protection Institute of Slovenia. It also mentions the scope of the

Why objectivity (95): The tone is neutral and informative, focusing on the facts of the project without any overt bias or emotional language. It provides necessary background information while maintaining an objective stance.

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentCenterFactual 97Objective 942 days ago
Renovation of one of the most valuable parts of Ljubljana has begun (PHOTO & VIDEO)

The renovation of the first Plečnik arcade and the first hall on Ljubljana's Plečnik Market has officially begun. These two remaining parts of the complex, which had not yet been renovated, will undergo restoration work including roof, facade, and building furnishings renewal, as well as asphalt replacement under the arcades. The works, carried out according to guidelines from the Cultural Heritage Protection Institute of Slovenia, are expected to last until mid-November. During the renovation, a construction site will be set up in the area, and visitors are asked to respect temporary safety measures. Local businesses and events on Pogačar Square will continue to operate normally. The Plečnik arcades are part of UNESCO's architectural heritage and represent some of architect Jože Plečnik's most recognizable works. The city council aims to preserve their cultural-historical value and ensure they remain well-maintained for future generations.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual update on a municipal renovation project without overt ideological framing. It focuses on the technical aspects of the work, references official guidelines, and emphasizes preservation efforts without taking a partisan stance. While the topic relates to urban planning,

Why factuality (97): This article also accurately describes the ongoing renovation of the first arcade and loggia at Plečnik's Market, confirming the timeline, oversight by the Cultural Heritage Protection Institute, and the continuation of market operations. It adds some contextual information about the significance of

Why objectivity (94): The article maintains a largely neutral tone, though it slightly emphasizes the cultural importance of the site, which may introduce a subtle bias toward preservation values. However, this is still within reasonable bounds of objective reporting.

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 706 days ago
A special Ljubljana discovery that brings happiness and courage

In the course of renovating a medieval house on Gornji Trg in Ljubljana, workers discovered a small, honey-colored gargoyle in a niche between two buildings. The find was reported by the Ljubljana Tourism Office, which suggested it could either be a remnant of local legend or evidence that Ljubljana has hidden charm in unexpected places. The gargoyle, described as bringing luck and courage to those who tap it three times, is part of the city’s preserved medieval architecture. The article explains the historical function of such niches, which served as firebreaks and allowed for air circulation, helping prevent fires from spreading between houses. It also notes that these spaces were sometimes used to dispose of waste, giving rise to their nickname 'scheissgasse' (literally 'sh*t street').

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural heritage and historical architecture, presenting information in a neutral tone without overt ideological framing. It provides factual background on the architectural feature and its historical purpose without taking a partisan stance.

Why factuality (85): The article reports on the discovery of a medieval gargoyle during the renovation of a historic house in Ljubljana. It mentions the location (Gornji trg 17 and 19), the description of the gargoyle as 'medeninast' (honeycomb-like), and references the Tourism Office of Ljubljana as the source. The inf

Why objectivity (70): The tone is somewhat promotional, using phrases like 'prinaša srečo in pogum' (brings luck and courage) and 'dokaz, da ima Ljubljana svoje varuhe tudi tam, kjer jih najmanj pričakuješ' (proof that Ljubljana has its fairies even where you least expect them). This suggests a more whimsical or symbolic

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenter10 hr. ago
Bad month after the mysterious disappearance of the stone balls from the fence of Tromostov disappeared another

Over a month has passed since the first stone ball from the Tromeščevje bridge disappeared, and another has now vanished, leaving authorities puzzled. The disappearance of these decorative elements, which are part of the historic Plečnik-designed bridges in Ljubljana, has raised concerns among cultural heritage protection agencies. The Municipality of Ljubljana initially suspected vandalism, but no definitive answers have been provided. The Zavod za varstvo kulturne dediščine Slovenia (ZVKDS) emphasized that mere replacement is insufficient and called for comprehensive restoration work aligned with conservation principles. Despite being inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 2021, the bridges remain in disrepair, prompting calls for urgent action.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the disappearance of historical artifacts without overt ideological framing. While the issue involves cultural heritage management and municipal governance, there is no clear partisan angle. The focus remains on the technical and administrative challenges of

Večer logoVečerIndependent🔒Center10 hr. ago
Another stone ball has disappeared from Tromostovo.

On August 5, 2026, a report noted that another stone ball at the Trgovec bridge in Ljubljana has disappeared, leaving the iconic railing designed by architect Jože Plečnik incomplete. The Municipal Office of Ljubljana initially suspected vandalism as the cause. However, the Cultural Heritage Protection Agency responded that replacing the missing element alone is not a sufficient long-term solution, as the entire bridge needs comprehensive restoration, including its underlying infrastructure systems.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about the loss of a cultural heritage element without overtly criticizing or praising any political entity. It reports on the municipal office’s initial assessment and the agency’s technical response, maintaining neutrality in framing the issue. There is no clear sl抗

Dnevnik logoDnevnikIndependent🔒Center10 hr. ago
(PHOTO) Another stone ball has disappeared from Tromostovo

Two stone spheres from Ljubljana's Tromostovje have disappeared, raising concerns over vandalism. The first disappearance was initially attributed to vandalism by the City Council of Ljubljana, but the Cultural Heritage Protection Agency of Slovenia (ZVKDS) has not ruled out this possibility for the second loss either. The agency had previously urged the city council to urgently repair the damaged section of the fence, emphasizing that merely replacing the missing sphere is insufficient. They stressed the need for comprehensive restoration of Tromostovje, including infrastructure systems beneath the bridge, while adhering to cultural heritage protection principles. The city council has yet to provide information on what happened to the first sphere or their plans regarding the second disappearance. Tromostovje, a historic stone bridge designed by Jože Plečnik and inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, was fully restored more than three decades ago.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on the disappearance of two historical stone spheres from a protected cultural site. While the issue involves local governance and cultural preservation policies, there is no overt ideological framing or emphasis on specific political agendas. The focus remains,

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒Center11 hr. ago
Less than a month after the disappearance of the first one from Tromostov, another stone ball went missing.

A second stone sphere has disappeared from the railing of the neighboring bridge at Ljubljana's Tromostovje, just over a month after the first one vanished. The Municipality of Ljubljana initially suspected vandalism, but this was not ruled out by the Slovenian Cultural Heritage Protection Institute (ZVKDS). The institute had already called for urgent repairs to the damaged section of the railing in June due to concerns about further deterioration. They emphasized that simply replacing the missing spheres is insufficient and that a comprehensive restoration plan, including infrastructure systems beneath the bridge, is necessary. The ZVKDS stressed that any restoration must follow cultural heritage protection principles, preserving original elements and using materials compatible with the originals. The municipality has been asked whether they know what happened to the first sphere and how they plan to address the loss of the second, but no answer has been provided yet.

Bias read (Center): The article presents information about the disappearance of stone spheres from a historical landmark without taking a clear ideological stance. It reports on the actions of both local authorities and the cultural heritage institute, presenting their positions neutrally. There is no overtly partisan,

N1 Slovenija logoN1 SlovenijaIndependentCenter14 hr. ago
Another stone ball disappeared from the Tromostovo fence (PHOTO)

A second stone sphere has disappeared from the railing of a bridge adjacent to the Tromostovje Bridge in Ljubljana, Slovenia, following the disappearance of a similar object from the main bridge earlier this month. The Municipal Office of Ljubljana initially suspected vandalism, but they have not yet confirmed whether their theory holds true. The missing spheres are part of a decorative railing designed by architect Jože Plečnik, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered a national cultural monument. The incident highlights concerns over the preservation of historical landmarks.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on the disappearance of historical artifacts without taking a clear stance on the cause or implications. It presents the situation factually, citing municipal authorities' initial suspicions without endorsing them. There is no evident ideological framing or emphasis on political,

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