Tibia, a Roman double flute dating from the 2nd or 3rd century, is on display at Ptuj Castle. It belongs to the collections of the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum, which also include weapons, musical instruments, traditional carnival masks, reverse glass paintings and castle galleries. The same building brings together different ways of exploring Ptuj’s history and culture: from an ancient instrument to the masks of a regional tradition.

Roman Traces Around the City

You can encounter Roman Poetovio in specific places beyond the museum collections, too. A Roman brick kiln can be seen in the former artisans’ quarter. At the sites of the First and Third Mithraea are foundations, altars, reliefs and cult images from Roman sanctuaries dating from the 2nd and 3rd centuries. These sites therefore reveal different elements of the sanctuaries, not just individual exhibits.

The Poetovio Archaeological Park features museum objects, guided tours, interactive educational content, events and exhibitions. The walking paths at the Panorama archaeological site offer a different perspective on the Roman past: they follow the routes of former Roman roads. Those who prefer to explore history on foot rather than through individual objects will find a distinct approach here. Registration at least three days in advance is required for a guided tour of the Third Mithraeum; check this requirement before your visit.

The medieval layout of the historic centre has endured for centuries. A walk takes you past Roman monuments and medieval façades, bringing different layers of history together in the same urban space. From the castle hill, views stretch far across the surrounding area.

Kurent Culture, Monasteries and City Life

The Kurent House presents the Kurent, or Korant, ritual and the region’s cultural heritage using interactive technologies. It is open year-round. The exhibition connects a specific tradition with its cultural context, offering a different focus from the Roman sites and collections.

The monasteries, too, tell different stories. The Dominican Monastery was founded in 1230 by Matilda, the widow of Frederick III of Ptuj. Restored sections now serve as a venue for cultural events and are open to visitors. The Minorite Monastery was built in the 13th century and later restored; its monastic library holds more than 5,000 books. Visits to the Minorite Monastery are by prior arrangement.

Another glimpse of city life awaits at Ptuj City Cinema. With a 120-year history, it is considered Slovenia’s oldest active cinema and has retained its romantic retro appearance. At Ptujska Klet, meanwhile, the focus is on the history of wine: the winery traces the symbolic beginnings of winemaking in Ptuj to 1239, when the Minorites built a wine cellar beneath their monastery.

The City and the Drava from Different Perspectives

The “Drava – Ptuj” Interpretation Centre explores the relationship between the Drava, nature, people and Ptuj’s history. For a perspective on the move, try the Drava Cycling Route, which can be ridden as a round trip from Ptuj to Maribor and back. The lower route runs via Hajdina and Starše and is flatter and less busy with traffic.

The railway station’s location can also help you find your way: it is only a few hundred metres from the city centre. Between the round trip, walking paths, collections and cultural sites, Ptuj offers several different perspectives on its history and present.

Discover more destinations: Ptuj, Gorišnica, Markovci, Cirkulane, Jiršovci, Moškanjci, Majšperk, Laško.

For the full travel overview: Slovenia.