Visit Slovenia: Maribor
Maribor (Slovenia), tour around the European Capital of Culture 2012
One of the places I’ve visited this spring is Slovenia and, frankly, has not disappointed me quite the opposite. Everyone I know who had visited this country rave about him so he was eager to meet him. Nothing more land at Ljubljana airport we took a short bus route that took us to Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia and that next year will be European Capital of Culture.
Throughout this trip I could see why Slovenia, called the “green treasure of Europe” (forests represent 60% of the surface of this country) and that on both sides of the road loomed large expanses of meadows, vineyards and forests. I was impressed by the green fields planted with hops, essential ingredient of beer (pivo in many Eastern countries). Once in Maribor Slovenia began our first adventure. From here I invite you to follow.
Maribor, as I said earlier, is the second largest city and capital of Slovenia in the region of Lower Styria and Ljubljana rivals in many aspects. Are far less comparable (soon publish a report on the Slovenian capital) since they are completely opposite but both cities have great attractions and many reasons to visit.
Terrace on the Plaza Mayor of Maribor
For starters I will say that the university city of Maribor is a city easy to navigate on foot. Its historic center is made up of the Liberty Plaza and the Plaza Mayor, where are most important monuments of the city. In the Plaza de la Libertad, for example, is the Franciscan church, the winery Vinage (the oldest in Maribor and the fifth largest in Europe) and NOB Memorial, a meeting of the inhabitants of Maribor who call Kojak because they fondly recalls to mind the famous detective to interpret the small screen in big Telly Savalas.
From the Plaza de la Libertad, from which you can see the imposing fifteenth century Renaissance castle (Mariborski Grad) that currently houses the regional museum (Pokrajinski muzeum), direct access to the Plaza Mayor where the City Council and stands the Plague Column.
Plaza Mayor of Maribor
This is a good starting point for walking the streets of Maribor and go to Lent, the historic district Slovenian city is located along the Drava river and home to the famous and multicultural Festival Lent, which vibrates to the city summer with rhythms from around the world.
Bridge on the River Drava in the neighborhood of Lent
Before reaching the edge of the Drava I recommend you visit the Cathedral of Maribor, located in the Austro-Hungarian neighborhood in the main square Slomsek and, if given the chance, climb up the tower for views we have of the city are priceless. This plaza is also the University of Maribor, founded in 1972.
University of Maribor
Once on the river Drava is essential to visit Stara TRTA, the true symbol of the city. It is the oldest vine in the world (it has about 400 years old) and is without doubt one of the most visited and photographed in Maribor. This vineyard has survived over the years not only to the diseases of this plant but to many historical events which threatened its existence. For this reason, the inhabitants of Maribor built him a house (Hisa Stare trte) and located in the same museum.
House where the Stara TRTA, the world’s oldest vine
Here is a good time to make a stop on the road and rest for half an hour. A good option, apart from sitting in one of the many terraces are along the Drava river and sipping a good white wine, Slovenia is to take a river cruise along the Drava from which you can see the Jewish Quarter Maribor and defensive towers of the city from another perspective.
Views Defence Towers Maribor from the river cruise on the river Drava
The wine, the Slovenian national heritage
How could it be otherwise, considering that in Maribor is the world’s oldest vine in this city Slovenian wine culture is present in many places. The slopes of the Pohorje mountain range, which embraces this town, are full of vines, whose fruit juice is extracted with which produces a unique white wine.
Slopes of Pohorje
I recommend you visit some of the wineries in Maribor as Vinaq above, which will surprise you with its size, and the historic Meranovo which was created in the nineteenth century by the master winemaker of Styria, Archduke Johann of Styria, who bought a farm at the top of Mount Prin?ev where he planted vineyards and established the first school of viticulture.
Slovenian wine is greatly appreciated
Slovenian wine tastes better with the local cuisine. Personally I loved the Stajerska sausages, homemade bread, chicken soup, starter in most foods, and the tortilla Pohorska Omlet. Addition of white wine, it is advisable to taste the natural apple juice that is served in most local restaurants.
Maribor: sport and still be close to
Maribor is known as a city of sport and for hosting a large number of international sporting events. In fact, the Slovenian city welcomes year home World Cup women’s ski that takes place for more than four decades in the mountains of Pohorje.
Adrenaline Park Pohorje
In this sense, Maribor is surrounded by parkland and natural areas that can be enjoyed any time of year. On the slopes of Pohorje mentioned can do all kinds of outdoor sports as well as enjoying an exciting day of extreme sensations in Adrenalina Park or the Bike Park.
Maribor Toolkit
Maribor has an airport but most flights arrive at Ljubljana airport. From Ljubljana to Maribor distance by road is about 130 km. There are also trains connecting the capital to Maribor Slovenia.
The Slovenian national airline Adria Airways is. It has three weekly direct flights between Ljubljana and Barcelona on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.