Discover Ptuj: Roman heritage, castle and culture

Sweeping views from the castle hill, Roman heritage and a historic centre with a medieval urban layout define Ptuj. A walk takes you past Roman monuments and medieval façades. Different eras meet in the cityscape, while museums, cultural venues and paths along the Drava invite you to explore different sides of the city.

Roman heritage and collections

Ptuj Castle houses collections from the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum. These include weapons, musical instruments, traditional carnival masks, reverse glass paintings and castle galleries. One notable item is Tibia, a Roman double flute dating from the 2nd or 3rd century. The collection therefore ranges from musical instruments and artworks to masks and weapons.

At the sites of the 1st and 3rd Mithraea, you can see foundations, altars, reliefs and cult images from Roman sanctuaries dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Advance registration at least three days ahead is required for a guided tour of the 3rd Mithraeum; check this requirement before your visit. A Roman brick kiln can also be seen in Poetovio’s former artisans’ quarter. The Povoden Museum, Slovenia’s oldest open-air lapidarium, is located at Slovenski trg.

Cityscape, monasteries and history

The historic centre of Ptuj has preserved its medieval urban layout over the centuries. On a walk, Roman monuments and medieval façades reveal the city’s changing character, with impressions that are not limited to a single era. The castle hill offers sweeping views over Ptuj.

The Dominican monastery was founded in 1230 by Matilda, widow of Frederick III of Ptuj. Restored parts of the monastery serve as a venue for cultural events and are open to visitors. The Minorite monastery dates from the 13th century, has been restored and has a library containing more than 5,000 books. A visit must be arranged in advance.

The history of winemaking is also connected with the city: Ptujska Klet traces the symbolic beginning of winemaking in Ptuj to 1239. At that time, the Minorites built a wine cellar beneath their monastery. The year and the monastery’s history give this aspect of the local past a specific historical context.

Cultural experiences and local tradition

Using interactive technologies, the Kurent House presents the Kurent or Korant ritual and the region’s cultural heritage; it is open to visitors year-round. In the city tower, you will find an interactive exhibition and a mechanical clock with a 21-metre-long pendulum. With a 120-year history, Ptuj City Cinema is considered Slovenia’s oldest continuously operating cinema venue and has retained its romantic retro appearance.

The Poetovio Archaeological Park offers museum exhibits, guided tours, interactive educational content, events and exhibitions. The “Drava – Ptuj” Interpretation Centre offers another perspective on the area, exploring the relationship between the Drava, nature, people and the history of Ptuj. Archaeology is thus presented alongside culture and the landscape.

Routes and getting around

The walking paths at the Panorama archaeological site follow the routes of former Roman roads; Panorama is a walking area with archaeological interpretation. If you prefer cycling, you can ride the Drava Cycle Route as a round trip from Ptuj to Maribor and back. The lower route passes through Hajdina and Starše and is flatter and less busy.

Ptuj railway station is only a few hundred metres from the city centre. This distance can be helpful when planning your arrival by train. Whether your main interest is collections, Roman archaeological sites, city history or walking routes, Ptuj brings these themes together within a clearly recognisable historic setting.

Discover more destinations: Gorišnica, Markovci, Cirkulane, Jiršovci, Moškanjci, Majšperk, Ptuj and Grosuplje.

View the main travel overview: Slovenia.