Ptuj enjoys the reputation for being the oldest town in Slovenia, while its nickname Treasure-Throve of Millenia is based on the town’s rich past.

Its monuments, buildings and museum collections tell many thrilling stories starting in the pre-history, continuing to antiquity and the heyday of Roman Poetovio, and further on to the Middle Ages when Pettau counted amidst important trade centres of Central Europe. Actual stories tell about a small provincial town offering wonderful experiences - Ptuj.

Long time ago, in the year 69 AD, the name of Roman town Poetovio was mentioned for the first time in connection with an important military meeting held in the camp during which the legions’ leaders decided to back Vespasian who in fact became later Roman emperor.

During antiquity, the town was extremely prosperous as proved by numerous historical remains.

A special guided tour reveals many interesting facts about Roman emperors, legionnaires, senators, vestals, craftsmen…

A stroll through the old town core helps understand the importance of the medieval town that built its prosperity mostly on wine trade and fertile hinterland.

Just how important Ptuj was in these times can be deduced from two town charts and many preserved buildings, such as two monasteries, churches, town tower, town hall, and many other.

Therefore, do not stay on the main Market street, but dare venture into side streets that hide some real treasures.

Lords of Ptuj, knights, founders and patrons of the arts, significantly marked 300 years of Ptuj history.

Those were the times of economic and cultural boom, building of churches and monasteries. Some of these buildings range among European Gothic master-pieces.

It is interesting to discover the importance of this noble, successful and diplomatic family from its beginnings to the end.