Best things to do in Maribor-Pohorje

The Pyramid (Slovene: Piramida) is a low hill (elevation 386 m) in the city of Maribor, Slovenia. It is a popular excursion spot, affording a good view of the city. An ascent takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Visitors flock to Old Vine House to see what's probably the oldest vine in the world, which continues to grow right in front. The vine is 400 years old and still bears fruit. It remains a symbol of Slovenia's rich wine culture. Go inside the house for a selection of original gifts and souvenirs.

The Maribor Water Tower is a medieval fortified tower in the city of Maribor, Slovenia. The late-Renaissance tower stands directly abuts the Drava River and dates from 1555. It is of pentagonal form and consists of massive stone blocks interspersed with embrasures. It was built to secure the southeast part of the Maribor city walls from the direction of the river.HistoryBefore the mid-16th century, the southern part of the Maribor city walls was guarded by two round defensive towers, the predecessor of the current Jewish Tower and the predecessor of the Water Tower, known as the Gunpowder Tower (Smodniški stolp), mentioned as of 1529. Around 1555, a decision was made to extend the city's defensive fortifications against Turkish raids to include the municipal port. Italian master builders erected two bastions on the Drava, a tower that came to be known as Mariborske Benetke ("Mariborian Venice") to the west and the Water Tower to the east. The city gates once stood between Benetke Tower and the Judgement Tower.A site called Pristan ("quay") or Lent had earlier developed outside the walls, serving as the mercantile center of old Maribor. Until the construction of the Carinthian railway between Maribor and Klagenfurt in 1863, the Benetke port building saw annual eastward-bound traffic of up to 800 šajke (characteristic local barges) and 1200 rafts.

Maribor Regional Museum preserves cultural, historical, and archaeological heritage from a range of municipalities. A visit offers a chance to walk through the past and learn something about the region though permanent collection and exhibits. The museum also provides space for frequent lectures, concerts, and occasional workshops for kids. See site for further details.

Maribor Cathedral (Slovene: mariborska stolnica), dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the city of Maribor, northeastern Slovenia. The church is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Maribor and the parish church of the Parish of Maribor–St. John the Baptist. It is also the resting place of the Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek, an advocate of Slovene culture.

One of Europe's oldest wine cellars, Vinag Wine Cellar features an impressive underground passage from the 1840s. Inside, you'll see concrete tankers, bottles with decades of patina, and historic wooden barrels. Finish the visit with a stop at the tasting room. You can also buy wine while there.

Žiče Charterhouse is a mysterious beauty which has been stirring spirits for centuries. Once between the forgotten years of 1160 and 1165, the Margrave of Styria, Count Ottokar III., who liked to visit Slovenske Konjice, ordered the construction of French Carthusians' home in the remote valley of St. John the Baptist. Since then the Žiče Charterhouse has been awakening specific energy. The respectful serenity and personalized peace rule there. It is a relaxing trip.

Žiče Charterhouse can be seen almost as if from the times of Ottokar III. Put on the smart glasses and turn back time. You will see the:

- parts of the Charterhouse that are no longer present,

- secret Carthusians,

- revived legends about the origin of the monastery.

An interesting fact: According to the legend of its origin, the monastery is also called Zajcklošter. The story of the legend will be revealed to you while wearing the smart glasses.

Explore with Audio Guides:

- 4 permanent exhibitions about the history of the Charterhouse,

- Otakar's sparkling wine cellar with ripening sparkling wine of Zlati grič,

- Pottery studio (tradition with display of the handicrafts or a workshop),

- Herbal Pharmacy with herbs from the Žiče Charterhouse,

- Lush herbal gardens and the Gastuž Inn from 1467, a renowned restaurant with monastery dishes and beautiful weddings.

Although the life of monks in Žiče Charterhouse had died after the decree of the Emperor Joseph II., today this divine space is alive again. On Saturdays it is filled with touching wedding celebrations and some Fridays in the summer are dedicated to quality concerts: Summer music evenings in Žiče Charterhouse.