Self-guided Walking Tour of Maribor (2025)

Glavni Trg is the historic and cultural heart of Maribor, serving as the city’s main square for centuries. Its open, inviting layout makes it a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike, with cafés, shops, and restaurants lining the square. Strolling through Glavni Trg allows you to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Maribor, where daily life and historic charm blend seamlessly.

The square is surrounded by significant architectural landmarks that reflect Maribor’s rich history. Maribor Town Hall, with its Renaissance façade and restored 16th-century appearance, dominates one side of the square, while the Gothic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist adds a spiritual and architectural dimension. Together, these buildings highlight the city’s blend of civic, religious, and cultural heritage.

Glavni Trg is also home to notable monuments, including the Plague Column, a Baroque masterpiece commemorating the 1680 epidemic. The column, topped with a golden statue of Mary and surrounded by saintly figures, stands as both a memorial and a central focal point. Decorative façades, small statues, and the surrounding historical buildings all contribute to the square’s charm, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring Maribor on foot.

Maribor Town Hall, built in 1515, is a key civic landmark in the city’s Main Square. It was remodeled in Renaissance style between 1563 and 1565 and later underwent a 19th-century late Classical renovation before being restored to its original 16th-century appearance. The building has long served as the administrative center of Maribor.

In addition to housing city offices, the Town Hall features Toti Rotovž, a restaurant specializing in Slovene national cuisine. Its central location and historical significance make it an important stop for visitors exploring the Old Town and experiencing Maribor’s civic heritage.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is Maribor’s principal Roman Catholic cathedral and the seat of the Archdiocese. Dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, it features a mix of Gothic and later architectural elements and is notable for its intricate stained glass, altars, and serene interior.

The cathedral also serves as the resting place of Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek, a 19th-century advocate of Slovene culture. Its historical, cultural, and religious significance makes it a highlight for visitors exploring the city’s Old Town.

The Slovenian National Theatre Maribor is a major cultural institution featuring Drama, Opera, Ballet, and a Symphony Orchestra. It regularly stages performances that showcase Slovenian talent alongside international works, making it a center for performing arts in the region.

The building itself is architecturally notable, with spacious auditoriums designed to enhance the audience experience. Attending a performance offers visitors the chance to engage with Maribor’s cultural life while exploring the historic city center.

The Tscheligi Tower, originally known as Smodnik Tower, was built in 1460 as part of Maribor’s northern city wall. Square in shape, it was an important defensive point and is named after the Tscheligi family, prominent local brewers.

Though it no longer serves a military purpose, the tower remains a visible reminder of Maribor’s medieval fortifications. Visitors exploring the Old Town can admire its historic architecture and appreciate its role in the city’s defense system.

Mestni park (City Park) in Maribor is a cherished green space that offers both locals and visitors a peaceful retreat from urban life. Established in the 19th century, the park spans approximately 5 hectares and is renowned for its lush greenery, mature trees, and tranquil ambiance. It’s a popular spot for leisurely walks, family outings, and relaxation amidst nature. The park’s design features winding paths, shaded benches, and scenic viewpoints, making it an ideal location for those seeking a quiet escape within the city.

In addition to its natural beauty, Mestni park is home to several notable attractions. The park houses the Maribor Aquarium-Terrarium, one of the most significant institutions of its kind in Central and Southern Europe. Visitors can explore the diverse flora and fauna within the park, including various species of birds and aquatic life. The park’s central location, just north of the town center, makes it easily accessible for a refreshing break during a day of sightseeing in Maribor.

Founded in 1953, the Aquarium-Terrarium Maribor is located on the edge of Mariborski Park and features both aquatic and terrestrial species. Its 39 aquariums display over 120 species of fish from rivers, lakes, and seas worldwide, while the terrarium houses over 100 reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

The institution has grown into a prominent educational and cultural site in southern and central Europe. Visitors can explore its exhibits to learn about global ecosystems, making it a popular destination for families and nature enthusiasts.

The National Liberation Museum Maribor, established in 1958, is situated in the historic Villa Scherbaum, a neo-Renaissance mansion built in the 1890s. The museum offers a comprehensive exploration of Maribor’s 20th-century history, focusing on pivotal events such as World War II, the interwar period, and the region’s industrial development. Its permanent exhibitions include “Pst! Maribor 1941–1945,” which delves into the city’s experiences during the war, and “A Monument to Maribor’s Industry,” highlighting the evolution of local industries.

Beyond its exhibitions, the museum is dedicated to education and community engagement. It offers a variety of programs for children and youth, including workshops and creative activities that aim to make history accessible and engaging. The museum’s extensive archive, housing over 120 meters of World War II materials, serves as a valuable resource for researchers and historians.

Maribor Castle is a Renaissance-style castle originally built in the 14th century. Over the centuries, it was expanded and renovated, and today it houses the Regional Museum of Maribor, showcasing exhibitions on the city’s history, art, and culture.

The castle’s courtyards and exterior also provide a picturesque setting, and occasional outdoor events take place here. Its central location in the Old Town makes it a must-visit for history enthusiasts exploring Maribor on foot.

The Maribor Water Tower was constructed in the 16th century as part of the city’s defensive fortifications along the Drava River. It served as a strategic point to monitor and protect the city against attacks from the water, reflecting Maribor’s importance as a river trade hub.

Today, the Water Tower has been repurposed as a wine cellar, celebrating the region’s viticultural heritage. Visitors can sample Styrian wines while exploring this historic building, combining history, culture, and gastronomy in one unique experience.

The Jewish Tower is a medieval fortification and one of the remaining towers from Maribor’s northern city wall. Originally built in the 14th century, it was part of the city’s defensive system, protecting the Old Town from northern approaches. Its solid stone construction highlights the importance of urban defense during the Middle Ages.

Over time, the tower became associated with Maribor’s Jewish community, giving it its modern name. Today, it can be appreciated as a historical landmark during walking tours of the Old Town, offering insight into the city’s fortified past and the role of its diverse communities.

The Judgement Tower (Sodni stolp) is a fortified medieval tower that originally formed part of Maribor’s city walls. Built in the early 14th century and rebuilt in 1540, it features architectural elements from the Renaissance period, with further additions in the 17th and 19th centuries.

Despite suffering fire damage in 1937, the tower was restored in the 1950s. Today, it stands alongside other surviving fortifications, such as the Water Tower and Jewish Tower, and is an atmospheric landmark for walking tours of Maribor’s Old Town.