The City of Ptuj

Route Description

The first thing we told our kids about Ptuj was the annual traditional carnival called Kurentovanje and Slovenia’s best-known carnival figure Kurent. Ptuj is so engrossed in this event that they call Kurentovanje their fifth season of the year. This carnival is definitely worth visiting during the time before Lent.

Ptuj, the oldest recorded city in Slovenia, has been inhabited since the late Stone Age and developed from a Roman military fort.

This city is built on ancient wine cellars and is the place of the oldest wine in Slovenia. Of course, it also has its own castle, which houses one of the most visited museums. You can also go to the beautiful spa nearby, which is perfect for little children.

The heart of the small city centre is Slovenski trg Square, where you can see the town tower. It has a clock with dials on only three sides. The tower side facing the castle does not have it, as the Count Walter Leslie did not want to contribute money for a clock, and the city authorities "punished" him and did not put a dial on his side.

When you walk past the town hall, you pass the Order of Friars Minor Conventual monastery, which can only be visited by prior arrangement. Next, you can ascend the castle hill, and extend the walk to the Ptuj Lake, which is the largest artificial lake in Slovenia. Its water also powers the Formin hydroelectric power plant, as well as hosts rowing, sailing, surfing and fishing activities.