Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia

The old part of Ptuj is squeezed onto a terrace between the Drava River and castle hill.

The castle is one of the largest and most impressive castles in Slovenia. A small fort stood on this site in the Roman period. The first castle was built here already in the first millennium A.D... Through the centuries it was gradually enlarged, and acquired its present day appearance in the 17th century. Today the castle houses the town Museum, reputed as having one of the richest collections in Slovenia.

Nestled below the castle is the museum town. In Roman times it was called Poetovia. A great deal has been preserved from the towns distant past. And the streets of the town still radiate that extraordinary charm of times long past.

This area is also the home of the traditional carnival masks worn by “Kurenti” or carnival figures to ward off the winter cold and announce the arrival of spring.

Lying at the crossroad of important routes, the area has in the past 2000 years undergone periods of exceptional flourishing. It began to stagnate in the 18th century, when the new Ljubljana – Maribor main road bypassed the town.

Its importance declined and the town gradually changed into a local farming center. Not even the construction of the railway in 1860, which linked Pragersko to the Croatian town of Čakovec, could change this trend. The town only began to flourish again after the Second World War.

Uf, we made it. Jupi yej! Now, if you want to visit more of Slovenia and do not know where to go. Keep searching our site. Some of the best sightseeings are Ljubljana, Bled Lake, Bohinj, Kranjska gora, Postojna Cave and do not forget the Cost with Portorož, Piran, Izola and many more. From Ptuj back to the Drava Region