Discover Ptuj: Castle, Wine and Kurentovanje

If you’re looking for a hotel in Ptuj, the city’s cultural highlights offer practical ways to shape your stay. Castle collections, archaeological remains, the Kurent tradition and wine culture appeal to different interests. Consider what matters most for your trip: early and medieval history, Roman heritage, carnival or wine. The following highlights can help you explore Ptuj according to your interests.

Ptuj Castle: Settlement and Collections

The hillside of Ptuj Castle was settled as early as the 5th millennium BC; the medieval fortifications were built in the 11th century. The early settlement of the hillside and the later construction of the fortifications represent distinct historical periods. The castle houses important collections of the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum. Topics include weapons and musical instruments, traditional carnival masks, aristocratic domestic culture, reverse glass paintings and a castle gallery. The collections span everyday and domestic life, art and music. If you want to compare historical periods, the early settlement and the medieval fortifications offer two clearly distinct points of reference.

Archaeological Heritage at Poetovio Park

Poetovio Archaeological Park focuses on the heritage of ancient Ptuj and the city’s archaeological remains. A guided tour links archaeological sites, museum collections and exhibits. It ends with a tasting of Mulsum, an authentic Roman spiced wine; check the booking details before taking part. The park’s hill is now a green space in Ptuj, with walking trails and descriptions of the archaeological treasures hidden below. The park is also home to a magnificent marble monument, believed to date from the 3rd century. The experiences differ in format: the tour links archaeological sites and collection objects, while the hill offers walking trails and archaeological descriptions.

Kurent House and Kurentovanje

At Kurent House, visitors can use modern technology to learn about the deeper meaning of rituals that have been preserved from antiquity to the present day. Kurentovanje offers a different perspective on this tradition: the recurring festival features Kurents processing from house to house, folk and carnival parades, traditional and modern carnival characters, and masked balls. Kurent House focuses on the meaning of the rituals, while Kurentovanje showcases their festive forms. Dates and programmes change every year; check the specific dates for your travel period.

Wine Culture and Ptujska klet

Ptujska klet dates back to 1239, when the Minorites built a wine cellar beneath their monastery. It is also where the 1917 Zlato trto is kept, considered the oldest Slovenian wine. Visitors can take part in a guided tour with a tasting of selected wines. Reservations and access details may change; check them before your visit. The year 1917 refers to the Zlato trto kept there; the tasting features selected wines. This lets you distinguish the wine’s historical significance from the guided tasting.

Dominican Monastery and Views of the Drava

The Dominican Monastery is now used as a venue for cultural events. It is open to visitors from April to October; check the specific opening dates and hours before your trip. The monastery park offers beautiful views of the Drava. Alongside museums and wine, seasonal visitor access, cultural events and views from the monastery park are other aspects to consider when planning your visit.

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