The picturesque town of Ptuj on the River Drau is located in north-eastern Slovenia in the middle of the Drau valley. Ptuj (Pettau) is one of the oldest towns and known in Roman times. As the only mainland town in Slovenia it received town privileges as early on as 1376. The core of the mediaeval town is completely heritage protected.
Ptuj was historically an important intersection point between east and west. Already in pre-historic times, the famous Amber trading route ran by Ptuj. The town’s history can be roughly divided into two significant peaks of development - the time of Roman colonization and the late middle ages. Roman Poetovia had 40,000 inhabitants and was one of the largest towns in the Roman provinces. Between the 9th and 16th centuries, the town took on its familiar silhouette of a triangle. It is closed on both sides by Dominican and Minorite monasteries. The imposing structure of Ptuj Castle forms the apex.
In the churches and monasteries, the vaulted wine cellars and castle rooms of Ptuj you will learn more about its history. The extraordinary less tangible aspects of the cultural heritage of the region around Ptuj and its popular traditions add a mystic element. This is especially true of the “Korant” who stands for the banishment of evil and the bringing of good.
Above the old town stands the mighty CASTLE OF PTUJ where the regional museum is housed. Those interested in culture can enjoy performances in the renovated theatre, THE PTUJ TOWN THEATRE, and visit any of the permanent or temporary exhibitions in the town museums and galleries.
In the old town you will find hotels, hostels, private rooms, cafés and inns. The old streets of Ptuj are the ideal backdrop for a variety of open-air events. The town WINE CELLAR is a testimony to its thousand-year-old wine traditions and the fostering of excellent wines. Local foods are served with these fine wines and prepared by restauranteurs in Ptuj.
In the old town you will find hotels, hostels, private rooms, cafés and inns. The old streets of Ptuj are the ideal backdrop for a variety of open-air events. The town WINE CELLAR is a testimony to its thousand-year-old wine traditions and the fostering of excellent wines. Local foods are served with these fine wines and prepared by restauranteurs in Ptuj.
Ptuj is a partner town in the EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE project 2012 and there is a distinct possibility that Ptuj may be may be seen to be a cultural jewel. Ptuj’s main contribution is the Festival of Art and its cultural heritage which is backed up by numerous events linking into the richness of the less tangible aspects of the cultural heritage of the region and the uniqueness of its folkloristic traditions. The European capital of culture project presents a great opportunity for change and the expansion of the local cultural infrastructure.
Further information:
Turistični informativni center Ptuj – TIC Ptuj
Slovenski trg 5, Ptuj
email: info@ptuj-tourism.si • tel: ++386 2 779 60 11
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