Introducing Ptuj
Set on the Drava river, Ptuj is the oldest town in Slovenia and one of the oldest of whole Europe. With a population of about 18,000, it’s the eighth largest city in Slovenia. It is located in the northeastern area of the country, about 130 kilometres from Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana (a little less than an hour and a half drive).
The city has a very rich history dating back to the Stone Age. Even before the arrival of the Romans, this place was an important settlement. Once the Romans got there in the first century AD, they granted the settlement town rights and named it Poetovio.
Ptuj now has a charming old town with beautiful historic buildings (which are all protected as monuments), many interesting churches and monasteries, lovely squares, a medieval castle built in the mid-12th century, Slovenia’s oldest wine cellar, a lovely thermal spa, lots of storks nesting on its red-tile roofs and one of the most impressive carnivals in Europe called Kurentovanje, which draws tens of thousands of visitors each year!
Ptuj’s best-known landmark is the mid-12th century castle strategically located high on a hill overlooking the Drava River. The castle offers great views over the town and has a functioning sundial on the top floor. The entrance fee is only €5 and for this one gets to visit a large number of exhibits including weapons, paintings, tapestries, furniture and the castle itself.
| The accommodation options in Ptuj can be divided into six main categories: hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, apartments, farm stays and hostels. |
 Set on the Drava river, Ptuj is the oldest town in Slovenia and one of the oldest of whole Europe. It has lots of character with beautiful historic buildings, many interesting churches and monasteries, lovely squares, and a delightful hilltop castle built in the mid-12th century. There are now seven hotels in Ptuj and its surrounding area, find out which are the ones that we recommend and why. |
 Bed-and-breakfasts are a very popular choice among those who intend to stay in Ptuj. Often B&Bs offer as much comfort as a 2 or 3-star hotel at half the price, but without the additional services. There are a few really good B&Bs in Ptuj, find out which are the ones that we recommend. |
 Some local residents in Ptuj offer apartments for rent in their houses. It’s a very popular budget-oriented option when you are staying in Ptuj. Find out which apartments in Ptuj we recommend and why! |
 For many travelers seeking accommodation, Ptuj guest houses are an appealing option. Some of the motivating factors include the affordable price, the opportunity to meet other travelers, to have direct access to the knowledge of the host, to be in an intimate environment and to experience the uniqueness of the establishment. It is fair to say that no two guesthouses are the same. There are several good guesthouses in Ptuj, find out which are the ones that we recommend. |
 Hostels provide wallet-friendly, sociable accommodation where guests can rent a bed in a dormitory or a private room and share a bathroom and a kitchen. There are currently two hostels in Ptuj, find out which one would suit you best. |
 Farm stays are as different as the farms that offer them. Some offer lodging in the farmhouse; others house guests in other buildings on the farm. Most include breakfast, while some offer dinners as well. Participation in farm work is often encouraged, but never required. Find out which farm stays in the Ptuj area we recommend. |
Ptuj Pictures
View our image gallery with 26 high-resolution photos that proves you absolutely have to visit Ptuj!
Two photos below by Jure Korber and Tjasa Borsnak
A beautiful view over the town of Ptuj from an aerial photography platform.
Another extraordinary view of Ptuj from an aerial photography platform.
Next 10 photos below by Bostjan Kersbaumer
The town is set on the Drava river.
Ptuj oozes charm thanks to its lovely town centre.
A footbridge over the Drava river.
The castle offers stunning views over the town, river and lake.
A beautiful sunset.
An evening in Ptuj.
Ptuj’s footbridge illuminated at night.
The history of Ptuj has close ties with the Drava river and the various bridges over it.
Ptuj Castle towering above the town.
The lovely Mestni Trg Square is surrounded by interesting architectural buildings.
Next 2 photos below by Piotr Skrzypiec
The most prominent tourist attraction in Ptuj is the castle which stands at the top of a steep hill in the center of town.
Kurent is a traditional Slovenian carnival mask with cow bells, dressed in fur and special headgear that originates from Ptuj.
Next 2 photos below by Peter Zajfrid
Ptuj Castle is located high on a hill overlooking the river.
Night view of the town with a pedestrian bridge across the Drava river.
Photo by Denis Sodrznik
The town features a wonderful mix of well-preserved medieval, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.
Next 7 photos below by Erich Reisinger
A beautiful panorama.
This is how peaceful and serene Ptuj looks at night.
A street view in the old part of the town with the town tower in the background.
Another street view in the old part of the town at night.
The castle illuminated at night.
The Puhov Most bridge over the Drava river at night.
Ptuj bridges at night.
Next 4 photos below by Daniel Tomanovic
Elevated view of red-roofed houses in Ptuj.
A view across the town.
The historic town centre is beautiful and very friendly.
The old part of the town at night during the festive season in December.
Christmas is a wonderful time of the year to be in Ptuj. (photo: Matej Stegar)
Ptuj is always pretty at any time of year but at Christmas, it has extra magic. (photo: Matej Stegar)
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 Ptuj is the oldest town in Slovenia and one of the oldest of whole Europe. It is set on the Drava river and oozes charm thanks to its lovely medieval core with a medieval castle, museums, monasteries, churches and other historic buildings. |
 Celebrating Christmas in Slovenia's oldest town Ptuj should be on your bucket list. Every year in the beginning of December this pretty old town transforms into a magical wonderland. |
Location of Ptuj on the map
Address: Presernova ulica 1, 2250 Ptuj, Slovenia
Latitude and Longitude Coordinates: 46.419804, 15.869589
GPS coordinates: 46° 25′ 11.2944” N 15° 52′ 10.5204” E
Region: Slovenian Styria
I loved it when I went there! The castle is amazing!
Ptuj is a very beautiful and interesting city.