RED RIDING HOOD

This time in Slovenia, my brother and I visited Styria region again. We woke up earlier and took our car to the road from my hometown Krapina in Croatia.

Ptuj is the oldest city in Slovenia. There is evidence that the area was settled in the Stone Age and the Late Iron Age when it was settled by Celts. By the 1st century BC, the settlement was controlled by Ancient Rome as part of the Pannonian province. From these times, the first written mention of the city of Ptuj is dating, thanks to Roman Emperor Vespasian.

Traces of Roman Empire in Ptuj

Traces of Roman Empire in Ptuj

Traces of Roman Empire in Ptuj

From those times it is dating  Orpheus Monument, almost 5 metres high carved of white Pohorje marble. The monument is the oldest public monument preserved in its original location in Slovenia and actually a grave marker from 2nd century, to honor the memory of Marcus Valerius Verus.

In the Middle Ages, it was used as a pillory of shame, where criminals were tied to the iron rings attached to its lower part. Nowadays has the status of a national cultural monument

From those times it is dating  Orpheus Monument, almost 5 metres high carved of white Pohorje marble. The monument is the oldest public monument preserved in its original location in Slovenia and actually a grave marker from 2nd century, to honor the memory of Marcus Valerius Verus.

The city has beautiful reneissance architecture, so my brother and I really enjoyed the beauty and the peace the city offers. So many small streets, yet wide enough with tall houses and small windows, decorations on the walls whitnessing the crafts of the times . Today many  small shops and bars are occupying these spaces.

Approaching the main square in Ptuj

Renaissance crafts’ symbols

Saint Florian – patronate of Ptuj, 18 century

City Hall

Renaissance architecture

In the early Middle ages, after the fall of Roman Empire, the Slavic tribes are populating the area, and Ptuj became part of the Frankish Empire.

Soon, after the renaissance, the Ottomans are trying to enter the city, so the citizens are building the Ptuj castle (originally from 12th century). The castle is situated on a hill alongside the river Drava overlooking the town, and is a prominent landmark.

Secret passages below the castle of Ptuj

The tower of the castle

Main yard and the statue of St Florian

Atrium of castle

Heraldry

The last Lord of Ptuj, Friedrich IX, died in 15 century. His tombstone made of red marble from Salzburg, is built in the ground floor of the castle, where it was brought from a devastated Dominican church.

This mighty fortified construction was handovered then to the Hungarian leaders and Austrian Emperor Maximilian l.

It will take five more centuries  to be returned to its original slovenian owners.

A strategically remarkable position from which it was possible to control the vast surrounding flatland, was the main reason why the castle was important. The same beauty of the views on nearby Alps, river Danube, neighbour country Croatia and local wineyard region are the reason why many tourists visit this place. My brother and I decided to enjoy the exhibiton of the ottoman/islam portraits and glass of Traminac (croatian – slovenian sort of wine).

I am not sure if you still remember the oldest grape variety in the worldfrom Maribor Lent, but its graft was planted there too.

Traminac wine (croatian – slovenian sort)

Maur portrait

Graft of the oldest grape variety in the worldfrom Maribor Lent.

Enjoy the view!