Ptuj

Ptuj is a city full of history! It is not only the oldest city in Slovenia but also the oldest city in Styria (a region between Austria and Slovenia).

Today, Ptuj has about 25,000 residents. The city’s old buildings bring to mind medieval times, but you can also find Roman relics here. The history of Ptuj goes even further back. People lived here in the Stone Age. By 15 BC, the Celts had a strong settlement in this area. Later, the Romans took control and set up a military camp, where soldiers and craftsmen lived and worked.

In those times, Ptuj was at the border, so up to 100,000 soldiers could stay here temporarily. About 10,000 people lived in the town, but with the nearby camps, the number grew to 30,000 residents. This made Ptuj the largest city in the area of today’s Slovenia, even bigger than London (15,000) or Vienna (20,000).

In 476 AD, the Roman Empire fell, and many tribes moved across Europe. The Slavs settled in Ptuj and have stayed here ever since. But the Franks and Germanic tribes also left their mark on the city. A building boom began, and many churches and monasteries appeared. In 1250, Ptuj got city rights and strong walls for protection. Jewish communities also lived here, but in the 15th century, the Habsburgs expelled them.

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Ptuj was at the crossroads of many cultures and influences. In the 16th century, the Turks raided the area around Ptuj. The following centuries brought plagues and wars, but the town continued to grow. During the Industrial Revolution, Ptuj got electricity, and many modern buildings were built. In 1910, 86% of the city’s population spoke German, while Slavic-speaking people mostly lived in nearby villages.

In the 20th century, the Nazis occupied Ptuj. Today, it is one of the most charming and popular tourist cities in Slovenia. You can easily reach it by public transport from Vienna.

Must-See Attractions
in Slovenia’s Oldest City

Ptuj is Slovenia’s oldest city and offers a unique mix of history, culture, and architecture. Here are the top places to visit in Ptuj, perfect for history lovers and curious travelers alike.

1. Mali Grad
(Minor Castle)

Mali Grad is a historic mansion from the 13th century, built as part of Ptuj’s city fortifications. The castle belonged to the Archdiocese of Salzburg and was first mentioned as “castrum minus” in 1231. Over the centuries, it changed owners, including the Schaunberg, Herberstein, and Wildenstein families. In the 16th century, it became the residence of local administrators. In the 19th century, it housed an office and later apartments. Today, it is home to the Ivan Potrč Library, which has over 350,000 books and serves the entire Ptuj region.

2. Minorite Monastery
of St. Peter and Paul

Located near the Drava Bridge on Minoritski Trg, this monastery dates back to the 13th century. It is one of the oldest in the region. The monastery was initially supported by the noble Ptuj family. It features a stunning Baroque facade added in the 17th century. During World War II, it was used as a Germanization office and later functioned as a library. Today, the monastery hosts cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions. Its rich library includes rare books, like a 9th-century parchment and a facsimile of the Gutenberg Bible.

3. Ptuj Synagogue

The former synagogue, now at Jadranska Ulica 9, was once the main place of worship for the Jewish community in Ptuj. After the expulsion of Jews, it became the Church of All Saints. Emperor Joseph II‘s reforms ended its religious use, and it later served as a storage site and apartments. Today, the Ptuj Museum preserves Jewish tombstones with Hebrew inscriptions, commemorating the Jewish heritage of the city.

4. Ptuj Castle
(Ptujski Grad)

Ptuj Castle stands majestically above the city. It dates back to prehistoric times, when there was a fortified settlement during the Bronze Age. Built by the Archdiocese of Salzburg between 1125 and 1130, the castle became a significant stronghold. It even had its own mint in the 13th century. In the Baroque period, the Leslie family transformed the castle into a grand residence. Today, Ptuj Castle houses the Ptuj Regional Museum, showcasing collections of weapons, musical instruments, religious art, and famous carnival masks from the region.

5. Dominican Monastery in Ptuj

Founded in 1230, the Dominican Monastery is one of Ptuj’s oldest religious sites. Built on land donated by Mehtildis, it features a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The monastery was a religious center for centuries, but after reforms, it became a barracks and later a museum. Visitors can admire the 14th-century frescoes, a Gothic cloister, and an impressive collection of Roman artifacts and medieval tombs.

6. Monastery of St. Peter
(Minorite Monastery)

The Minorite Monastery is located at the edge of the old town, on Minoritski Trg. It was established between 1255 and 1280. The monastery underwent several renovations, including a grand Baroque facade in the 17th century. Inside, you can find beautiful frescoes, a historic library with rare manuscripts, and a Gothic statue of the Ptuj Madonna. The complex hosts concerts, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year.

7. Orpheus Monument

The Orpheus Monument is one of the oldest Roman relics in Slovenia, located at Slovenski Trg. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, it served as a marble tombstone for Marcus Valerius Verus, a Roman official. The monument stands 5 meters tall and features carvings of Orpheus playing the lyre, mourning his lost love Eurydice. During the medieval period, the monument was used as a shame stone for punishing criminals.

8. Church of St. George

The Church of St. George is a key landmark at Slovenski Trg. It dates back to the 12th century, but there may have been an early Christian basilica here as early as the 4th century. The Gothic church features XV-century stalls and ornate decorations. The church is famous for its Gothic statue of St. George, the city’s patron saint. Outside, you can see Renaissance and Baroque gravestones, remnants of the old cemetery.

Ptuj is a must-visit for anyone exploring Slovenia. From its rich Roman history and vibrant festivals to its relaxing thermal spas, this charming city offers unforgettable experiences. And if you’re planning to travel further, Ptuj is a great base for trips to Maribor and even Ljubljana. Want to know how to get there? Check out our blog for more travel tips and detailed guides.