Ptuj is the cultural, administrative, economic, employment, educational, and traffic center of the wider region. The city developed at the junction of Slovenske gorice, Dravsko polje, and Ptujsko polje and also covers the area of Haloze to the south. According to the 1997 figures, the City Municipality of Ptuj has 32,043 residents and covers about 118 km2. It lies 232 meters above sea level and has an average temperature of 9× C and an annual average precipitation of 890 mm. After World War II, the city developed from a small rural town, and with its growth individual areas of the city took shape such as the old city centre where extensive renovations have been made, new parts of the city with apartment buildings and individual residences, industrial areas, and so forth. Because of their historical significance, many buildings in Ptuj are protected as monuments. Near the city, the largest reservoir in Slovenia has been formed by a dam on the Drava River.

Numerous archeological remains prove that the city experienced its first period of prosperity as the Roman town of Poetovio. The present much admired appearance of the city originated during the Middle Ages when Ptuj experienced its second rise to wealth and prominence. The castle, the Dominican and Minorite monasteries, the Provost Church, the old City Hall, the patrician houses, numerous marvelously carved doors, wrought iron window grills, and stonecutting details are the most important elements testifying to the spiritually and materially rich life of our forefathers in this region. The heritage of past centuries will enchant even the most demanding visitor to Ptuj, the oldest city in Slovenia.

A glance inside the museum, galleries, libraries, archives, theatre, and the National Center reveals many centuries of cultural heritage linked to modern life. The old compositions, the new art studios, and the theatre performances that take place in the unique ambience of cloisters, courtyards, loggias, and cobblestone streets-all these offer us an interesting fragment of the life in our city. But Ptuj is not merely a city with stories from the past. Maybe it is true that the most beautiful pictures of Ptuj were already painted and the most remarkable houses already built, but many important creators also gathered in Ptuj in the 20th century to contribute to the new appearance of the city.

Mr. Miroslav Luci, Mayor

A rich cultural heritage, wine cellars, farm produce, thermal waters, a century-long tradition of poultry farming, handicrafts, Ptuj Lake, a varied culinary offer, and institutions of culture, health, education, administration, and justice make Ptuj the economic, cultural, educational, health, and administrative center of a wider region with almost 100,000 residents.

In the surroundings of Ptuj, there are many possibilities for excursions into the unspoiled nature spread between Ptujsko polje and Dravsko polje and encircled by the picturesque Slovenske gorice and Haloze hills. In the immediate vicinity, the Terme Ptuj Health Resort invites us with the beneficial and healing effects of its thermal waters. The inns and restaurants of the city and its surroundings offer a great variety of specialties that the vintage wines from the Ptuj Wine Cellar complement very well. More than seven centuries of winegrowing tradition lie behind the quality of our wine. The Ptuj Wine Cellar is famous for its extensive wine collection, and its archives also boast Slovenia’s oldest wine from 1917.

It is never boring in Ptuj, but it is particularly lively on festival days. Three times a year, city residents gather on the streets and people from the surrounding areas come for the Jurjevo, Ozboltovo, and Katarinino festivals. On Saturdays, musicians play in front of the City Hall, serenading young newlyweds beginning life together. Toward evening on Carnival days, masqueraders dance on the city streets. The most characteristic costume of our region is the Kurent, a mythical creature who drives away the winter and cast spells for abundant crops in the fields of the surrounding villages.