WHAT TO VISIT IN THE SECOND LARGEST CITY IN SLOVENIA
Located on the banks of the Drava River, Maribor is the second largest city in Slovenia, only behind Ljubljana, the capital. However, it is a very quiet city surrounded by nature and of great historical and cultural importance.
In this post I will tell you everything you need to know about the city of Maribor. If you want to know more about Slovenia and plan your entire trip, I recommend reading this post:
Maribor is known for its winemaking tradition, you will find numerous vineyards on its hills and its famous oldest vine in the world. The city is also distinguished by its picturesque old town that includes cobblestone squares with elegant baroque buildings, such as the emblematic Glavni and Grajski Squares.
These are the 8 places you cannot miss on your visit to Maribor...
Hiša Stare trte, the oldest wine in the world
Maribor's bridge and banks of the Drava river
Grajski Square
General Rudolf Maister Square
1. Glavni Trg or Main Square
Glavni Trg is the main square and the center of Maribor, a meeting point for its inhabitants and the administrative center of the city's activity. In this square you will find buildings as important as the old town hall, which dates back to 1565 and stands out for its beautiful Renaissance façade. Furthermore, since the Middle Ages, a market for crafts and organic products is held in this square every week.
In the center of the square stands an impressive votive column. This is the Plague Column, work of the sculptor Jozef Straub and which was commissioned in the 17th century. The column, made entirely of white marble, remembers the plague epidemic that devastated Máribor between 1646 and 1681. It consists of a corinthian column with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, standing on the moon and crowned with twelve stars. At its base, the column is surrounded by six saints: Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Sebastian, Saint James, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Roch and Saint Francis Xavier.
2. Hiša Stare trte, the oldest vine in the world
Maribor is home to the oldest vine in the world, the Žametovka grape variety. This strain is about 400 years old and appears in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest producing vine on the planet. This incredible plant continues to produce grapes, which are used to make special wine in small quantities. Furthermore, during the month of September, coinciding with the grape harvest, the Ancient Vine Festival is celebrated. The building where the vine is located was part of the old wall that protected the southern part of the city facing the Drava River.
3. Maribor's bridge and banks of the Drava river
The bridge that connects the two banks of the Drava River is the perfect place to enjoy spectacular views of the city and its surroundings. Walking across the bridge will allow you to appreciate the beauty of Maribor's old town and its colorful facades, and it is a perfect place to take a few photos. On the banks of the Drava you will find numerous cafes and chill outs where you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this charming Slovenian city.
4. Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist
Maribor's Cathedral was built in the 12th century in Romanesque style and renovated in Gothic and Renaissance styles, hence it is an impressive example of architectural evolution over the centuries. Inside, you can see a curious stained glass window that remembers Pope John Paul II. In addition to its beauty, the cathedral is an important site of worship, as it is the second largest religious building in Slovenia. Entry to the cathedral is free, but you can pay to climb the bell tower and enjoy views of Maribor and the nearby vineyards.
In the cathedral's square there is also a sculpture dedicated to the first Bishop of Maribor and, bordering it, you will find other interesting buildings such as the Rectorate of the University of Maribor, the National Theater and the Slovenian Post Office, built in neorrenaissance style.
5. Grajski Square
Grajski Square, also known as Castle Square, is one of the most emblematic places to see in Maribor. This square is located in the heart of the old town, it is a picturesque place surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants and cafes.
Far from the typical image of a fortress on top of a mountain (like in Ljubljana), the Castle of Maribor is located in this square, at street level. Currently, it houses the Maribor Regional Museum. In addition, next to the castle you can find the VINAG underground wineries, where you can take a tour with a tasting of Slovenian wines.
In the Grajski square you can also appreciate the statue of Saint Froilan, the patron saint of fires and natural disasters. This statue is said to protect the city from fires, which in the past meant a great danger to Maribor.
6. General Rudolf Maister Square
Next to a small garden, in this quiet square you will find the neorrenaissance building of the First Grammar School of Slovenia and the statue dedicated to General Rudolf Maister, raised in 1987. Next to the monument raises a linden tree, planted on the occasion of the proclamation of independence of Slovenia in 1991.
7. Franciscan Basilica of Our Lady of Mercy
It is one of the seven basilicas in Slovenia. The current church and its monastery were built and designed by the Viennese architect Richard Jordan, between 1892 and 1900. During the Second World War, all the stained glass windows were destroyed, except for the rose window on the north side of the church.
8. Liberation monument
This unique monument is dedicated to National Liberation and the Victims of World War II, it was built in bronze by Slavko Tihec in 1975.
Where to eat in Maribor?
If you want to try typical Balkan food, I recommend trying the restaurant BAŠČARŠIJA. They have a menu with a wide range of traditional dishes at a good price and ideal for sharing. Plus, their restaurant in Maribor is traditionally decorated and located on a picturesque street with views of the cathedral.
How to get to Maribor from Ljubljana?
The most convenient way to get to Maribor is by car. This city is located 23km away from the Austrian border and 127km from Ljubljana, the capital. The journey by car is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you prefer, there are also several regional trains that connect both cities in approximately 2 hours. In this link you can check schedules and prices.
Where to park in Maribor?
In Maribor you can easily park on the street, and it is free on weekends. We left our rental car on a street near the center and we didn't have any problems.
Is Maribor worth visiting?
Yes, especially the area on the banks of the Drava river. Furthermore, being close to the border with Austria, makes it a perfect city to add on your road trip.
How much time do I need to visit the city?
Despite being the second largest city in Slovenia, Maribor is quite small. I would recommend dedicating a morning or an afternoon to it but, as always, it depends on your pace.
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