Križanke, Medieval monastery complex in Ljubljana, Slovenia

Križanke is a former monastery complex at French Revolution Square 1 in Ljubljana, built around several courtyards. Its Baroque church, designed by Domenico Rossi in 1714–1715, has a Greek-cross plan and a dome. Jože Plečnik remodeled the complex in the 1950s, adding shallow arcades, sgraffito facades and an open-air theatre with a retractable canopy.

The Teutonic Knights established this monastery in 1228, and it was significantly rebuilt in the 18th century following designs by Venetian architect Domenico Rossi. This layered history shaped its transformation from a religious compound into the cultural center it is today.

Plečnik's redesign in the 1950s transformed the former monastery into a major performance venue where locals and visitors gather for concerts and theatrical shows. The site now functions as a cultural hub that hosts the Ljubljana Festival and other artistic events throughout the year.

The complex sits between Emonska, Zoisova and Gosposka streets, with the entrance at French Revolution Square 1. The open-air stage is in the southern courtyard, the Knights' Hall and the Baroque church serve as indoor venues, and the Devil's Courtyard is used for smaller chamber performances. The site is managed by the Festival Ljubljana Public Institute and can be hired.

The Devil's Courtyard, named for its role in smaller chamber performances, was designed by Jože Plečnik with numerous lamps and a Mediterranean feel. Look for the pergola along the monastery wall, supported by columns taken from a demolished princely palace.