The small town of Maribor is located in Slovenia. About 100 thousand people live in it. Despite its small size, Maribor plays a large role in the economy of the republic. Due to climatic conditions, it is a major tourist center of the country. The city is located in the north-eastern region of the republic, which is called Lower Styria. The Drava River flows through its territory, and Maribor (Slovenia) itself is surrounded by the Pohorje massifs.
Historical information
During the Early Middle Ages, Marburg Castle was built on one of the hills on the banks of the Drava. The first information about him is found in documents dated 1164. Gradually around the castle a market appeared, which was called Maribor. People settled next to it, in 1254 Marburg receives the status of a city, and the surrounding area becomes a county. Further development of Maribor occurred due to the strengthening of the Habsburg dynasty in Styria in 1278. At that time, the city was at the crossroads of trade routes, so it turned into a large craft and trade center.
In the XV – XVII centuries Maribor (Slovenia) survived the siege and attack of the Turks several times. To protect against the enemy, three more castles and fortress walls with watchtowers were built in the city. To date, only four towers have survived.
Maribor was part of the Habsburg Empire until 1918. After the First World War, Austria claimed these lands, but the Slovenian patriots were the first to seize power in the city. During World War II, he was captured by German troops. Germany placed military factories here, as a result of which Maribor was often bombed, and many historical monuments were destroyed. After the defeat of Germany, the city returned to Yugoslavia.
The city's attractions
The capital of the republic is Ljubljana. The second largest is Maribor (Slovenia). sights cities are of interest to tourists. Acquaintance with them begins from the Main Square. Ancient houses have been preserved here. Among them stands the church of St. Aloysius. In the center of the square is a column on which the statue of the Virgin Mary is located. It is a monument to urban residents who died from the plague in 1743. Near the column is an altar, and around it are statues of white marble. The premises of the City Hall are also located on the Main Square. It is decorated with the emblem of the city.
Of all the castles that were built on the territory of the city, only one has survived. It was built in the late Gothic style in the 15th century. After restoration, the city museum of local lore is located in the building. Among the exhibits are paintings and sculptures preserved from the Middle Ages, as well as handicrafts and objects familiarizing visitors with the history of winemaking in the region.
Not far from the castle are located the famous throughout Europe wine cellars "Vinag". About 6 million liters of drink are stored in the cellars; the length of the cellars is almost 2.5 km. There is a tasting room where you can taste delicious wines.
Maribor (Slovenia) is located on the picturesque bank of Drava. The decoration of the city is the embankment of Lent. In the Middle Ages there was a large port through which Austrian ships went to sea. Currently, in the summer on the embankment there is a colorful festival of Ribbons with festivities and skiing on the river.
Old vine and winery in Maribor
The unique climatic conditions in which the city of Maribor (Slovenia) is located contributed to the development of viticulture and winemaking. The oldest European vineyards grow here, and the wine has an exquisite taste and is popular not only in the homeland. When visiting Maribor, tourists lead to Vozhasniska street to the famous wine house. Once upon a time, people lived in it, but after reconstruction, a museum was organized in the house. The presented expositions tell about the history of winemaking in Slovenia.
Near the house grows a vine, which is 400-450 years old. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records and is considered the pride of the inhabitants of Maribor. Each year, the vine gives a harvest, from which about 100 bottles of unique wine are obtained, distinguished by their taste, but the wine is not available to ordinary buyers. The full collection goes to the first persons of the country, and the vine itself is protected by the state.
Residents of the city consider it their duty to cut dry twigs on the vine. Every year, at the beginning of October and in November for the feast of St. Martin, specialists do pruning of the vineyard.
To Slovenia to a ski resort
Seven kilometers from Maribor are the mountainsides of Pohorje. In winter, the mountain slopes are covered with a stable snow cover, and Maribor (Slovenia), the photo confirms this, turns into a ski resort. Developed infrastructure, safe mountainsides and good climatic conditions have contributed to the fact that annually in Maribor Pohorje passes the stages of the World Cup in skiing. Thanks to this, the city received the status of an alpine resort.
The total length of the equipped slopes for the descent is 64 km. The ski resort of Maribor was one of the first to provide lighting for descents from the mountains in the dark. Along the tracks there are special guns for applying artificial snow. At the resort you can not only ski, but also go downhill on snowboards. There are also good conditions for freeriders who like to ride on non-equipped tracks. The ski season in Maribor lasts about 100 days a year.
Maribor - thermal spa in Slovenia
In addition to skiing, Maribor attracts vacationers with its thermal springs. One of the best thermal complex in Slovenia works here. It is equipped with excellent pools, modern diagnostic equipment, saunas, Turkish baths, a solarium. Those who wish can take a course of treatment with ozone therapy or a course of rejuvenation in thermal waters.
Water is delivered to the complex from a depth of 1200-1500 meters; its temperature is 44 ° C. Not far from the ski slopes there are several four- and five-star hotels, which have hot water pools. After skiing, vacationers can enjoy the thermal bath.
Maribor Hotels
The guarantee of a good holiday in Maribor is the right choice of hotel. Each of them is developing their own system to attract customers. Elite hotels are located in the city and near the ski slopes. Maribor (Slovenia) strives to ensure that in each of them comfortable conditions for living are created, regardless of the number of stars and the purpose of arrival in the city. For a business or romantic trip, hotels in the city center are perfect, for skiers and freeriders it is better to stay closer to the slopes.
All hotels in the city have a preliminary reservation system. Many of them offer a free day after 10 days of stay, 16 hotels are allowed to live with pets, six hotels have spa centers.