Best things to do in Styria Region

Rising on a hill along the riverbank and overlooking the town, Ptuj Castle houses a museum that exhibits art, furniture, costumes, tapestries, and everyday objects from the 16th to the 19th centuries. In the western forecourt, notice the tower--the only remaining part of the first fortification most likely built in the 9th century. Archbishop Konrad of Salzburg commissioned the construction of a new castle in the 12th century, but the structure gained its final appearance in the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Explore the collection of musical instruments used by noblemen and wealthy citizens on the ground floor, and head to the second floor to see traditional masquerade costumes on display.

A mighty walled castle towering over the city, Celje Castle is sure to leave you speechless. Its appearance dates back to the Counts of Celje, the most renowned and notable noble dynasty from the area in present-day Slovenia. During the summer, a live history program takes place there and offers an immersive experience as the visitors can take part in sword fights with knights, shoot with bows, and flirt with princesses. On the last Saturday in August, the the castle becomes a venue for a traditional medieval festival.

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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.

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Dating back to the 16th century, Olimje Monastery is now a Franciscan monastery. Damaged by a 1970s earthquake, the castle was renovated thanks to national and parish funds, and was turned over to Franciscans in 1990. Both tourists and pilgrims visit, and the Franciscans also run an herbal apothecary on site. There is no entry fee, but donations are welcome.

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.

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.