Maribor is a very atmospheric city, perfect for a visit due to its history and somewhat Austrian character.
It is Slovenia’s second-largest city, an important economic and cultural hub, rightfully considered as Slovenia’s „second capital”.
It is the largest city in the Slovenian Lower Styria region. The nearest major city is Graz in Austria, located 60 km north, with which it maintains close economic and cultural ties.
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Attractions in Maribor
Maribor Castle
The history of the castle dates back to the 12th century when the first fortifications were built on this site. In the 15th and 16th centuries, it was significantly strengthened and expanded due to Turkish attacks. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone numerous transformations, enriching it with Renaissance and Baroque stylistic elements.
Its exterior appearance is impressive, with massive walls and towers reflecting the characteristics of medieval fortifications. The interior courtyard is spacious, with a fountain in the center, surrounded by parts of the building added in different eras.
The most significant part of the Maribor Regional Museum operates inside the building (described below).
St. John the Baptist Cathedral
One of Maribor’s most significant religious and historical buildings is located in the city center.
A Romanesque-style church once stood here. The Gothic cathedral was mostly built in the 14th and 15th centuries, though it was enriched with Baroque elements in later periods.
Its exterior appearance is impressive, with characteristic Gothic architectural elements such as sharp arches, a slender tower, and intricately detailed portals. The main facade is dominated by a magnificent, multi-level tower that is visible from afar over the city, becoming a distinctive element of Maribor.
The bell tower also functions as a lookout point, offering a great panorama of the city.
Main Square (Glavni Trg)
The square is one of the city’s main hubs, where several attractions can be seen.
The most important is the Town Hall, built in the Baroque style in the 1500s, which has undergone several transformations over the years. The Plague Column in front of the building was erected in the early 18th century, commemorating the victims of the plague epidemics.
The former courthouse and several old, ornate bourgeois houses are also prominent.
Our Lady of Mercy Basilica
Not far from the cathedral, there’s an imposing red Franciscan church.
Together with the monastery, it was built between 1892 and 1900, on the site of the former Capuchin church. The building was constructed in Neo-Romanesque style. It is 57.5 meters long, 24 meters wide, and 17.5 meters high. Its facade is adorned with two massive, 58-meter high bell towers, which end with pointed roofs and 3-meter high gilded crosses.
The church has three entrances, decorated with stone carvings. The most elaborately decorated main door features a lunette mosaic depicting the Annunciation to Mary. Above the rosette, in the gable, stands the gilded image of the Mother of Mercy.
Maribor Regional Museum
One of Slovenia’s most important cultural and historical institutions operates in several locations, the most significant being in Maribor Castle.
Its collections are extensive and diverse, including several thematic exhibitions. Among the most important are:
- The archaeological exhibition, which presents traces of human presence from the region’s prehistory through valuable findings, showcasing the daily life, material culture, and artistic creations of previous civilizations.
- The historical exhibition reviews the region’s significant events from the Middle Ages, including economic, social, and political changes.
- The art department pays special attention to local and regional artists’ works, showcasing traditional folk arts to modern and contemporary creations.
- The ethnographic exhibition is a colorful presentation of the region’s folk culture, traditions, and lifestyle, including folk costumes, customs, traditional crafts, and everyday life objects.
All information here!
Court Tower
This building, notable for its white color, is one of the most beautiful parts of the city’s defense system.
It was built in the 14th century and has undergone several transformations and renovations over the centuries. Today, you can still see the tower’s distinctive medieval architectural elements, such as thick walls and narrow arrow slits.
It got its name from the fact that it also served judicial functions at one time. In addition, it has served as a warehouse and prison throughout history.
Water Tower
This medieval fortification is located on the banks of the Drava River and was part of Maribor’s former city walls’ defense system.
It was built in the 16th century when the threat of Turkish invasions made it necessary to provide more effective defense for the city. Its original purpose was to ensure the city’s water supply, but due to its strategic location, it soon also acquired an important defensive function.
Today, it no longer serves a specific function and is a tourist attraction, currently housing a wine shop.
Jews’ Tower
This significant medieval fortification is located behind the Water Tower.
The tower was built in the 15th century and originally served as part of the city walls to protect the city. It got its name from being located directly next to the area inhabited by the Jewish community.
The building hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and other cultural events.
Splavarska Bridge
The best view of the bridge spanning the Drava River is from the promenade and the city center.
The bridge is a modern wooden structure used by pedestrians and cyclists. It is definitely worth crossing to the other side to admire the old town from there.
Jewish Street (Židovska ulica)
This small street starts from the Main Square and was once the center of the Jewish community.
The street was home to the synagogue, the community house, and other buildings important to Jewish life. It is a popular promenade featuring cafes, art galleries, and craft shops.
Old Vine
This is a vine over 400 years old, listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s oldest.
The vine, surrounded by a metal fence, grows up the wall of a 17th-century house and is visible in several paintings made between 1657 and 1681. The vine is still fruit-bearing, yielding about fifty kilograms of grapes annually.
Pyramid Hill
This tall hill is located a short distance north of the city center.
Its name comes from its distinctive, pyramid-shaped peak. It is not only a favorite destination for Maribor’s residents but also popular among tourists. The hill, just over 386 meters tall, offers an excellent view of the city, surrounding hills, and the Drava River.
The peak is only 1.5 km from the city center, with about 100 meters of elevation gain. The path to the top passes by vineyards, adding to its charm.
Pohorje mountains
Located southwest of Maribor, this mountain range offers many activities, making it popular in both summer and winter.
Its most famous feature is the treetop walk. Situated at an altitude of about 1000 meters, it offers a magnificent view from nearly 37 meters high. You can walk among the treetops for 1 km, making it one of the most popular attractions in the area.
Its best-known natural attractions include the Lovrenc Lakes marsh area, Bistriška Špica, and Šumik Waterfall.
In the winter season, it turns into a ski paradise, thanks to well-maintained ski slopes and a modern lift system. In the warmer months, Pohorje is an excellent place for hiking and cycling.
