For a glass of wine to Maribor

In the sunniest region of Slovenia there is an important scientific and economic center - Maribor. The city is famous for wine-making, and is also home to the oldest grapevine in the world.

When visiting Slovenia, it is worth stopping for a moment (or longer) in the city known as Maribor. It is located in the sunniest area of this small country, which means that sightseeing usually takes place in a very favorable aura.

The largest winter sports center in Slovenia - Pohorje is located near the city. So if someone plans to visit them in winter, they can combine sightseeing with madness on the slopes.

Long history of Maribor

Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia, with a long history - the first mentions of the fortified settlement in this area come from the 12th century. Hundreds of years of operation of the center have left behind numerous mementos in the form of sacred buildings, castles, and medieval towers and fortifications. You can also find many traces of Jewish culture here. The most important remains are concentrated in the city center, on the Drava River.

While visiting Maribor, it is worth going to the Town Castle . It was built for defensive purposes, and as a result of multiple reconstructions it acquired the features of a residence. Currently, it houses the Regional Museum with collections considered to be one of the richest in the whole country.

The most important temple of Maribor is the 12th-century Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Its characteristic element is the 57-meter high belfry, which is one of the symbols of the city. At the time of the uprising, it was 76 meters high, but later it was lowered to its present size.

Monument lovers should pay attention to the 15th-century synagogue, as well as the Franciscan church. Places worth seeing also include the court tower from the 14th century, the late Gothic town hall and the Jesuit monastery complex with the 18th-century church of St. Aloysius. After visiting the monuments, you can direct your steps to the city park established at the end of the 19th century and relax among the greenery there.

The cult of the vine

Despite its long history, Maribor has not only monuments to offer tourists - it owes its greatest fame to the wine it produces. There is also a huge attraction in the city, which is the oldest grapevine in the world. It is about 400 years old and has been entered in the Guinness Book of Records. Its age is confirmed by two paintings from the 17th century depicting the building on which it is based. The paintings can be admired in the Regional Museum.

Each year, the ancient grapevine produces between 35 and 55 kilograms of grapes, which produce around 100 bottles of wine. The annual festival in which the grapes are harvested using the traditional method belongs to the tradition of Maribor.

European Capital of Culture 2012

Major cultural and sports events take place in Maribor. After all, it is not without reason that the city was chosen as the European Capital of Culture 2012. In January, the Women's Alpine Skiing World Cup competitions take place there, and in September, the already mentioned ceremonial grape harvest from the oldest grapevine in the world. In addition, Maribor often hosts baroque and rock music festivals, and the castle hosts classical music concerts.

In the city there is Camping Center Kekec , where a motorhome parking space costs 3 euros a day, and an adult parking - 9.50 euros. Willing people can rent a bike (the cost is 3 euro for a bike rental for 4 hours). The campsite is pet-friendly - pet owners will pay 1.5 euro per day for the dog's stay. You can see other campsites in Slovenia in our campsite list.

If someone is planning a vacation in September, he may consider coming to Maribor and participating in the great grape harvest. The city is beautiful at any time of the year, so whether we visit it in winter or summer, its beauty and atmosphere will impress us.