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Ptuj

Rising gently above a wide valley, Ptuj (p-too-ee) forms a symphony of red-tile roofs best viewed from across the Drava River. One of the oldest towns in Slovenia, Ptuj equals Ljubljana in terms of historical importance. The compact medieval core, with its cobblestone alleys rimmed by interesting facades, scattered with ornate monasteries and topped by a grand whitewashed castle, may be easily seen in a day, but the laid-back ambience, cafe culture and great hotels may convince you to base yourself here for a while longer. There are plenty of interesting side trips and activities in the area if you do decide to linger.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Ptuj.

Castle
Ptuj Castle
Ptuj Castle is an agglomeration of styles from the 14th to the 18th centuries, but it is nonetheless a majestic sight, sitting high on the hill overlooking the red-roofed burger houses of Ptuj and the Drava River. It houses the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum, but is equally worth the trip for the views of Ptuj and the river. The shortest way to the castle is to follow narrow Grajska ulica, east of the Hotel Mitra, which leads to a covered wooden stairway and the castle’s Renaissance Peruzzi Portal (1570).
Basilica
Basilica of the Patroness Mary
The pilgrimage Basilica of the Patroness Mary, in Ptujska Gora village 14km southwest of Ptuj, contains one of the most treasured objects in Slovenia: a 15th-century carved caped Misericordia of the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus. The church itself, built at the start of the 15th century, is the finest example of a three-nave Gothic church in Slovenia. It was named a basilica for its 600th anniversary in 2010.
Square
Slovenski Trg
Funnel-shaped Slovenski trg is the centre of old Ptuj. The 16th-century City Tower dominates the square's eastern side. Roman tombstones and sacrificial altars from Poetovio were incorporated into the walls in the 1830s – check the reliefs of Medusa’s head, dolphins, a lion and a man on horseback. In front of the tower stands the 5m-tall Orpheus Monument, a 2nd-century Roman tombstone with scenes from the Orpheus myth. It was used as a pillory in the Middle Ages.
Street
Prešernova Ulica
Pedestrian Prešernova ulica was the town’s market in the Middle Ages. The arched spans above some of the narrow side streets support older buildings. The Late Gothic House, dates from about 1400. Opposite is the sombre Romanesque House, the oldest building in Ptuj. The renovated yellow pile called the Little Castle was the home of the Salzburg bishops and various aristocratic families over the centuries.
Monastery
Dominican Monastery
Carefully restored and newly reopened to the public, Ptuj's Dominican Monastery was first established in 1230, though much of its original medieval character was replaced by baroque features during the 18th century. Inside, the walls of the Gothic cloister still hold on to scraps of faded frescoes, while the baroque powder-pink refectory is home to swirling plasterwork and colourful murals. The entrance fee includes an audio guide with some good basic historical information on the building.
Monument
Orpheus Monument
The 5m-tall Orpheus Monument stands in the middle of Slovenski trg. This Roman tombstone from the 2nd century, with scenes from the Orpheus myth, was used as a pillory in the Middle Ages; those found guilty of a crime were shackled to iron rings attached to the holes on the lower half.
Historic Building
City Tower
In the middle of Slovenski trg, this tower was erected in the 16th century. Roman tombstones and sacrificial altars from Poetovio were incorporated into the walls in the 1830s – check the reliefs of Medusa’s head, dolphins, a man with grapes, a lion and a man on horseback.
Architecture
Ljutomer House
On the northern side of Slovenski trg, the Mediterranean-style Ljutomer House was built in 1565 and now houses the TIC.
Architecture
Romanesque House
The sombre Romanesque House is the oldest building in Ptuj.