Roman burial mounds, a church with Roman stones in its outer wall, and protected waters give Miklavž na Dravskem Polju several distinct points of interest. Its Roman heritage ranges from a burial mound cemetery dating to around 100 AD to a restored individual tomb; St. Nicholas Church combines a long building history with older stones in its masonry. Springs, a stream, and ponds draw attention to habitats, while local customs and the Salamijada add further cultural notes.

Roman Heritage and St. Nicholas

The Rimske gomile in Miklavž is a Roman burial mound cemetery dating to around 100 AD. In the Maribor area, it is the easternmost of six burial mound cemeteries. A single Roman burial mound on the outskirts of Miklavž was reconstructed and restored in 2002; as a cultural heritage monument, it is open to visitors. These two aspects offer different perspectives: the cemetery can be understood in relation to its place among six sites in the Maribor area; the restored individual tomb offers a tangible point of interest for visitors.

St. Nicholas Church is first mentioned in 1382. It acquired its present appearance in 1662; the late Gothic bell tower dates from the early 16th century. The dates mark different stages rather than a single year of construction: the first mention, the older tower, and the church’s present appearance in 1662. Several Roman stones are set into the outer wall, adding another historical layer to the building.

Springs, Ponds, and Habitats

The springs and ponds of Miklavž are designated a protected hydrological, zoological, and botanical natural monument. Together with the stream, they form a valuable habitat for endangered animal and plant species. At the springs and ponds, shallow, still waters with dense waterside vegetation provide nesting habitat for mallards and coots. The combination of shallow water and waterside vegetation describes a specific habitat type; the protected status also covers hydrological, zoological, and botanical aspects.

The Miklavž Ponds, with a walking path, are near the old village center and are part of Drava Regional Park. Check the current access to the walking path before visiting.

Local Customs and Food Culture

During Kurentov skok, participants dance around a fire and ring large cowbells to drive away winter and all evil. A performance of this traditional custom was held in the Miklavž amphitheater in a small grove near the Spar branch; the miklavški koranti and the Dobrovški kurenti performed there.

The Salamijada is a local food event at which salami made by amateur producers is judged; the 2026 edition was the sixth judging event. Together with Kurentov skok, it represents a different cultural focus: rather than a custom centered on fire, bells, and winter symbolism, it centers on judging a food product.

Discover more destinations: Kamnica, Starše, Bresternica, Maribor, Spodnje Hoče, Loka, Pernica, Malečnik.

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