Travel Destinations — Ptuj, Slovenia

Region Ptuj, Styria, 2250, Slovenia

Balkans

Country

Slovenia

Location name

Ptuj, Slovenia

Description of Location

Ptuj, arguably the oldest town in Slovenia can be found in the annals of histroy reaching back to stone age. The city saw its glory through military and administrative reforms done by Roman Poetovio. City was once completely burned to ashes by Huns and had been ravaged by Avars and Slavs. French, Germans and Turkish have enjoyed its reign over the city through the history which has left an impact on its architecture and culture. Today its a thriving city with fairs, festivals and thermal springs. Sandwiched between two bigger neighbours the influence of neighbours can be seen in interesting ways. It is common to see Italian and German language on a Slovenian passport depending on where you got it from.

Did you know that Ptuj is host of Korantovanje festival, a 10-day Slavic hedonistic festival?

Things to do

In middle ages, stones were used to tie down criminals and Ptuj is one of the places where you can see a monument reminding the torture. Orpheus Monument has become some of the most visited places in Ptuj. Poskočil was the last name of a very rich slovenian merchant. His house was to become the beautiful town hall designed by surprisingly an Austrian architect Max Ferstel. 13th Century Dominican Monaestry is also a frequently visited place in town. While you are at it, you can climb up the hill to the Ptuj Grad castle to see some medieval musical instruments and arms. Ptuj happens to be on the highway towards both Austria and Italy hence making it a good spot for trade. Oswald’s fair, George’s Fair and Catherine’s Fair are some of the fairs that must have been a result of an opportunity.

Recommended Travel Descriptions

You can reach Ptuj by car through Maribor if you are coming from North passing through Austria. From east you can drive through Lbubljana, the slovenian capital. If you happen to be in Italy you can take E57 or E70 through Trieste. You can take a train by OOB the Austrian Railway Service. There are many students from Slovenia that travel between Slovenia and Austria on a daily basis. If you are flying, closest airports are Klagenfurt and Graz. Bus routes end at Maribor and are connected to major cities. I highly recommend taking a bike ride if you are nearby because of the scenic trails. Taxis are available round the clock even though town is small enough to bicycle through it. Hitchhiking is definitely a possibility.

Best time to travel

Ptuj happens to be in a mountain terrain with terrific landscape. You would want to travel to Ptuj in summer unless you are an aspiring climber preparing for Himalayan expeditions. Major festivals dates fall in summer months.