Visit the Styrian part of Slovenia - towns Maribor and Ptuj

1 days

The heritage of past centuries will enchant even the most demanding visitor to Ptuj, the oldest city in Slovenia. Because of their historical significance, many buildings in Ptuj are protected as monuments. It is never boring in Ptuj, but it is particularly lively on festival days. The most characteristic costume of our region is the Kurent, a mythical creature who drives away the winter and cast spells for abundant crops in the fields of the surrounding villages.

Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia. Additionally, it is also the economic, university, cultural and sports centre of the north-eastern part of the country. The city offers good wine and cuisine and has a well-preserved city core which reflects the images of centuries.

Slovenia is a wine growing country, producing red and white wines of high quality, with a history that can be traced back to Celts and Romans. The documents of the Benedictine Monastery from St.Paul in Carinthia dating back to 1091, are the first evidence of wine growing in the area around town of Maribor, which was the center of lively wine trade in the Middle Ages and contributed to its increasing growth and prosperity.

In the old city centre, the visitor of Maribor can admire an amazing sight - the extraordinary ancient vine, called by the "Mariborcani" simply "stara trta", over 400 years old!!!- the Old Vine. On its left bank, facing the majestically flowing serene Drava River, it is an amazing exhibit of nature’s resilience surviving many revolutions and two world wars and represents the most significant world record that Maribor holds. The grapevine is planted in the centre of the building, near the main entrance.