Things to do
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Basilica of Ptujska Gora
About 13 km southwest of town, a hilltop Gothic church holds a stone relief of the Virgin of Mercy sheltering dozens of carved figures under her cloak. Pilgrims have climbed here for six centuries, and the hall church is one of the finest Gothic interiors in Slovenia. Pair it with a drive through the Haloze vineyards on the way back.
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Dominican Monastery
Cloisters, a Baroque façade and restored Gothic walls make up this former monastery on the eastern edge of the old centre. Closed to monks for over two centuries and later used as barracks, it now serves as a venue for exhibitions, concerts and festival events. Opening depends on the programme, so check what is on before making a special trip.
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Mithraeum of Ptuj
Carved reliefs of Mithras slaying the bull survive in a small shrine on the western outskirts, one of several built when Ptuj was the Roman town of Poetovio. A protective building covers the remains. Visits are arranged through the regional museum at the castle, so ask at the castle ticket desk first, since the door is normally locked.
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Ptuj Castle
Up a cobbled lane above the old town, the castle holds the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum, with furnished noble apartments, a collection of musical instruments, arms and a room of Kurent carnival masks. The courtyard terrace looks over the roofs to the Drava. The walk up the lane takes ten minutes and opens views over the town at every bend.
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Ptuj Wine Cellar
Tunnels under the old town hold one of the oldest wine cellars in Slovenia, still working and open for guided tours with tastings. The archive section keeps bottles going back many decades, including the vintage known as Zlata trta, the Golden Vine. Tours run most days; groups should book ahead, and the cellar stays cool year round, so bring a layer.