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Museum · Kranj, Gorenjska
Prešeren House
House where the poet France Prešeren lived his last years and died in 1849, turned into a museum with original works, early editions and period furniture. The poet’s grave is in the Prešeren Grove, nearby.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Prešeren House
France Prešeren, born in 1800 in the village of Vrba in Gorenjska, is considered the greatest Slovenian poet. His verses from “Zdravljica” are the lyrics of Slovenia’s national anthem. Trained in law, he moved to Kranj late in life to work as a lawyer and died in the city on February 8, 1849. Since 1945 that date is Slovenian Culture Day, a national holiday, and Kranj holds the country’s largest celebration.
The house where Prešeren lived and worked, on the street that now bears his name, is a memorial museum. The permanent exhibition presents the life and work of the poet, with original works, first editions of his books and furniture from the period. The house used to shelter those in need, and the museum highlights that side of the lawyer.
Prešeren’s grave is in the Prešeren Grove (Prešernov gaj), a memorial park on the site of the old town cemetery, a few minutes’ walk from the old town. Other notable figures of Slovenian culture are also buried there.
In the city, Prešeren’s name appears on the theater, the main street, a statue and verses engraved on the facade of the library. A gallery in the old town is dedicated to winners of the Prešeren Prize, the country’s highest artistic honor.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes in the museum; about an hour and a half including a visit to the Prešeren Grove.
Best time
In the morning, before the canyon walk. Around February 8 there are special events. Check the Gorenjska Museum website for opening days.
How to get there
From Kranj’s main square, follow Prešernova Street; it’s a few minutes on foot. The Prešeren Grove is about a 10-minute walk, north of the old town.
Tip
The tourist information center organizes a guided Prešeren-themed walk through the streets, the theater and the grove. It’s worth reading some translated verses of the poet beforehand.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Prešeren House
Who was France Prešeren?
The greatest Slovenian poet, born in 1800 and died in Kranj in 1849. Lines from his poem “Zdravljica” are the words of the national anthem.
Where is Prešeren buried?
In Prešeren Grove (Prešernov gaj), a memorial park in Kranj’s old cemetery, a few minutes from the old town.
What can you see in Prešeren’s House?
An exhibition about the poet’s life and work, with original manuscripts, first editions of his books and furniture from the period when he lived there.