Maribor is the second largest cities in Slovenia. It is a city with many special tourist attractions, most of which are located in the center of the city and accessible on foot. Go sightseeing in Maribor then relax in the City Park or one of the pretty cafes that can be found on every step on the way through the city.
The Best Sights in Maribor
The best sights in Maribor are almost entirely free. Make sure to take a selfie with swans on Drava River.
1. Main Square or ‘Glavni Trg’
Main square is the center of Maribor and the biggest square in the city. There are many historic sites visible from the square. Along with Poštna ulica and its cafes, it is a gathering place for locals.
2. Plague Column
In the middle of the main square, there is an important monument, the Plague Column. It was set up in gratitude for the end of the plague in the 17th century, when the disease killed one third of the population of Maribor.
3. Town Hall or ‘Rotovž’
Facing the Plague Column is the Town Hall, or ‘Rotovž’ as the locals call it. It was built in the 16th century, with the balcony representing the city coat-of-arms: two lions and the year 1565.
4. The Old Town Lent
Along the left bank of river Drava, there is a part of old town Maribor, called Lent. There you can find many cafes, which are packed with locals. Especially during a couple weeks in June when there is a famous festival Lent, which hosts many concerts and shows.
5. Old Wine or ‘Stara Trta’
Stara trta is the oldest vine in the world with its 400 years of age. You can find the ‘Žametovka’ vine on Lent, in front of the House of the Old Vine where it still bears grapes every year.
6. River Drava
River Drava is a long and wide river that flows though the city of Maribor, splitting it in two. Riverbanks on both sides are arranged in pathways and cafes in the old part, which both offer beautiful sights of the river and the city.
7. The Judicial Tower
The Judicial Tower is situated on Lent, next to the Maribor market. It dates back to the 14th century when it was one of the defense towers of the town wall. Later it got its name from the trials of women, recognized as witches.
8. Vodnik Square
Vodnik Square is located near the Main Square, above the riverbank of Drava. It serves as a place for the city market, which is filled with sellers of fresh local vegetables and fruit. Therefore the best time to visit it is in the morning when there is a lot of fresh food on the stands.
9. Vinag Wine Cellar
One of the oldest and biggest classical wine cellars in Europe is situated in the center of Maribor, under the Freedom Square, near the Maribor Castle. Walk through the cellar filled with wine barrels and enjoy some of the local wines.
10. Maribor Castle
Maribor castle was built in the 15th century and is located on the Castle square (Grajski trg). The Castle used to be part of the town wall, later a rich feudal residence and today it is the home of the Provincial Museum of Maribor.
11. Franciscan Church
In the old city center next to important roads that go through the city, stands the Franciscan Church. The red church is a peculiarity among other churches in Maribor and it was built at the start of the 20th century along with a Franciscan Monastery.
12. The Church of John the Baptist
Stolna cerkev is a church from the 12th century, located on Slomšek Square in the center of the city. You can visit the church every day and it is also possible to climb up to the bell tower and step on the observation deck, where you can see Maribor from above in every direction.
13. Museum of National Liberation Maribor
Museum of National Liberation is located only 10 minutes from the Main Square. The museum has many temporary and also permanent exhibitions of materials from the 20th and 21st century.
14. Monument of National Liberation or ‘Kodžak’
On the Freedom Square or ‘Trg svobode’ there is a monument of National Liberation, known to the locals as Kodžak. It depicts graphical copies of public proclamations about the shootings of hostages and rebels during World War II.
15. Maister’s Monument
The monument of general Rudolf Maister stands on the Square of general Maister. He belongs to the most important Mariborians for his role in the formation of Slovenia’s northern state frontier.
16. Synagogue Maribor
One of the oldest synagogues of the Central Europe stands in Maribor on the Jewish Square. It’s about 600 years old and today mostly serves as a cultural space for different events.
17. City Park and Pyramid Hill
If you want to get away from the city life, but still remain in Maribor, walk through the City Park, which is a popular visiting place for locals to relax in. It is only a 12 minute walk from the Main Square. From the park, you can walk up the hill Piramida, which offers beautiful views of the city.
18. Mariborsko Pohorje
Mariborsko Pohorje is the biggest ski center in Slovenia. However, without snow it is one of the most visited places to go hiking. Mariborsko Pohorje is only 6 km away from the center of Maribor.