Introducing this place:

Identity Card

Ptuj is the oldest documented town in Slovenia and is situated in North-Eastern Slovenia, in the centre of Lower Podravje region at the border with Prlekija region.

• Area of town is 66,7 km².
• Altitude is 232 m.
• Municipality includes 5533 house numbers in ten settlements.
• There are 23,957 inhabitants living in Ptuj Municipality.

Education

On the territory of Ptuj municipality five primary schools, two secondary schools and a higher education centre are operating. In Ptuj we can also find adult education centre (ljudska univerza).

Sightseeing:

Ptuj Castle and the old city center is very small yet very interesting for sightseeing in any time of the year. Old city center is rich with old architecture which is giving feeling of cosy atmosphere. The best way to discover Ptuj while sightseeing is to contact people from TIC Ptuj and they will support sightseeing of Ptuj with valuable historical informations for you. Though for evening or night sightseeing is smart to find some local people who can take you to some of nice corners of Ptuj. My hint would be to stop by at Muzikafe, cause lately there is the core of cultural events in Ptuj. Of course is very good to stop by at KPŠ(pub of students of town Ptuj), then BO cafe, Orfej and on the way you will dicover many more of those small and cosy pubs and bars.
For more info about sightseeing in Ptuj check following web page:
http://www.ptuj-tourism.si/ogledi/?lang=en

Ptujske Vedute

The company Ptujske vedute organises guided tours and guides through museum collections in the Ptuj Regional Museum, through the medieval town centre and the town surroundings. To meet clients' wishes, the company tailors half-day or day trips to Ptuj and its surroundings, as well as to a wider area of the lower Drava region. The company also offers thematic programmes.

Regional Museum Ptuj

The Regional Museum Ptuj is a public institution covering the area of culture and taking care of movable cultural heritage of the entire Lower Podravje Region.

CID

The Centre for free time activities, or in short the CID, is a public institution. It assumes the role of a youth centre, and its target groups are primary school children, pupils and students. On behalf of the Town Municipality of Ptuj, the Centre carries out, on its own or in cooperation with other interested parties, free time activities for children and young people, and develops various spheres of youth work.

The Ptuj Students Club

The Ptuj Students' Club is an organisation whose members try to find interesting and creative ways to spend free time. The Students' Club carries out various quality projects. Some of them are already known as traditional: the International Festival of High Quality Music called the "Youth in the Ancient Town"; the wine and gastronomy educational festival called "Wine is not Water", which takes place around St Martin's Day; the carnival event KURENTANC in Kidričevo; a summer "trend" entertainment for young people at the swimming-pool Terme Ptuj called "Pools of Energy"; the "Freshers' party" in Kidričevo, Kresovanje TerasaFest Vino ni voda Kurentanc Bazeni energije.

Muzikafe, Home of culture in Ptuj:
http://sl-si.facebook.com/domkulture.muzikafe


Transportation
Bus station
Osojnikova cesta 11
2250 Ptuj
tel. +386 2 771 14 91

Railway station
Osojnikova cesta 2
2250 Ptuj
tel. +386 2 292 46 22


Booking and payment at reception of Termah Ptuj.
Booking and payment BIKE EK, Jadranska ulica 2, Ptuj, ++386 2 771 24 41

For all the other useful and practical information is the best to check:
www.ptuj-tourism.si/
Web site of the Town Municipality of Ptuj
Web site Ptuj-on.net

Things and Sports to Do:

Ptujska Gora

Ptujska Gora lies on one of the last hills of Haloze, before the world inclines against North into the plain of the Dravsko polje. In the South over the river Dravinja lie steep hills of Haloze with the mountains Donačka gora and Boč.From Ptujska Gora one has a beautiful view in all four directions: from the recognisable Boč and the distant hills called ‘zasavski hribi’ to the mountain Pohorje.To the North over Maribor to the peaks over Graz and to the nearby Ptuj with the Slovenske gorice and in the South over the steep rolling hill country of Haloze over the Croatian border.

Vintage time

Traditional and agreeable labour when family members, invited guests and groups of tourists gather in Haloze and Slovenske Gorice. Traditionally, men busy themselves with preparing baskets to put grapes in, a wine press and barrels in which sweet grape-must will be poured. At the same time, women prepare a feast where home-made bread and "potica (cake) are never missed out. Merry singing comes from vineyards during the grape harvest, thus creating a pleasant atmosphere. Basket-carriers bring the harvested grapes to the press from which flows sweet must that turns into wine after a while. The labour in vineyards ends in the autumn, and starts again once the winter is over.

Borl Castle

The Borl Castle rises above Drava River. There is a great vista to Ptuj plain and town Ptuj. It is not hard to understand why this castle was set up 600 years ago. The castle is (almost) abandoned today but it is still attractive to many visitors. Young couples from countryside prefer to have a wedding in a castle chapel. Nearby is a horse riding centre.

Donačka Gora

Donačka top of the mountain, located north of Radeč. The summit, which geographically belongs to the Karavanke's a nice view over the near and distant surroundings. The Western Summit which is set high stone cross Boc sees the beautiful area, in fine weather but look reaches of the central Kamniško Savinian Alps to the Pohorje. In the Western Summit, also to chest and slovenian flag. Partly already mentioned the two Donačka mountains between them almost equally high peaks, the western and eastern. Most mountaineers ascent ends at the western summit, but only a rare upswing extended to 20 minutes away east technically more demanding top. On top of the east can get even after a short climbing routes.

Mount Boč

Almost thousand-meter high Mount Boč. Here await you the little Church of Sv. Miklavž and a twenty-meter lookout tower. A remarkable flower growing on Mount Boč is the protected pasqueflower (Pulsatilla grandis). If you feel like more walking, enjoy one of the three forest education trails with their descriptions of rare plant species.

Termal park Ptuj

Thermal Park comprehends more than 4200 square meters of water surfaces with medicinal low - mineral thermal water, including indoor and outdoor baths with twelve swimming pools, numerous slides, whirlpools, slow river, pool with waves and water jet massage. Thermal Park is famous for the largest slide in Slovenia. For relaxation you can use saunas, massages, baths, paraffin compresses and various therapies.
Sports to do:
» Sport animation » Swimming club » Water polo » Fitness » Cycling » Hot Air Balloning » Golf » Attractions, excursions For more info check web page:
http://www.terme-ptuj.si/vsebina.php?n=tepa&ln=eng
http://www.terme-ptuj.si/vsebina.php?n=spre&ln=eng
http://www.terme-ptuj.si/vsebina.php?n=zraw&ln=eng

It might be of good help to check as well following web page for ideas regard visiting places near ptuj or Slovenija:
http://www.slovenia.info/en/Home.htm?home=0&lng=2

Restaurants and Shopping:

About Slovene cousine:
In the past, there were differences between nutritious habits in the town and in the countryside. The food of the countryside was based on what was available at a farm. The everyday menu did not vary much, and poultry and pork dried meat was on the table only for holidays. Usually, food made of flour and potatoes was served. Instead of sugar, people used honey. Fruit was considered as children's food.
The food in town was heavily influenced by the Vienna cuisine. Meat dishes, such as various steaks and goulash, were frequently served. There were also various sorts of soups, cakes, rolls and cookies.
The consumption of coffee became very popular in the middle of the 19th century, and has been ever since.

VEGETABLES AND POTATOES:They represent basic ingredients of the Slovene cuisine. Among the most popular dishes are cabbage, turnip, beans, potatoes, and cucumbers. Different types of dumplings are also extremely popular.

DESSERTS:A roll, or locally a "potica", is definitely the most well-known dessert and is mainly served on special days. Its name derives from the fact that the dough and the filling are rolled together in equal proportions. Raised doughnuts and brittle wafers are popular too.

Get to know and try some of the flavoursome dishes of the town and the surroundings. A wide variety of restaurants will meet all demands.
Perutnina Ptuj Restaurant
Ribič
Amadeus
Zila
Restaurant Gastro
Restaurant "Pri Ernestu" Kitajski vrt
Poncho
Pri pošti
Botra
Roškar
Villa Monde
Restaurant Čelan

The wine route runs across vine-growing hills of Slovenske Gorice and Haloze. In this colourful region you will forget about stress and will enjoy home-made specialities.


For more info check following web page:
http://www.ptuj-tourism.si/o_ptuju/?lang=en

People and Culture:

The History of Ptuj

Ptuj, an architectural chronicle at the crossroads of sunny Italy and the vastness of the Pannonian lowland, Alpine valleys and the expanse of the Balkans, begins its story in the distant Late Stone Age.
Ptuj started its first chapter in the ancient times of the New Stone Age. In the Late Iron Age this territory was colonized by the Celts, who co-formed the later Noric kingdom, and have gradually urbanized the area of the settlement.
Roman writer, starting with Tacitus, mention Ptuj on many occasions in connection to important events - from election of Vespasian as emperor in year 69 and to the mentioning of political activities of the last West Roman emperor Romulus's grandfather, deposed in year 467. With these records the historical era of Ptuj began. Around year 103 Ptuj became self-governing unit COLONIA ULPIA TRAIANA POETOVIO, which reached its largest extent in the 2nd and 3rd centuries and was then burned down by the Huns in year 450. With the destruction of Avar state at the end of 8th century Podravje region together with Ptuj became part of the Frankish state.

Ptuj Town Seal from year 1273 belongs to the oldest town seals in Slovenia and is one of the special kinds of Gothic monuments and values in the cultural and historical, artistic and legal field. Medieval Ptuj demonstrated its legal status and significance of town autonomy with the very use of its proper seal.

Town Theatre Ptuj
For activities in the field of performing arts Town theatre Ptuj, which prepares 3 to 4 premiers per season and organizes two season theatre subscriptions, was established.
More info: www.mgp.si

Museums
Main mission of the Regional Museum Ptuj is collecting, protecting, research, presentation and popularisation of movable cultural heritage in the field of archaeology, ethnology, history, cultural history and history of art in Ptuj and Ormož territory.

Galleries
Admirers of fine arts can visit several of our galleries which house numerous exhibitions of national and foreign artists, traditional crafts and various souvenirs.

• The Florian Gallery
• The Mihelič Gallery
• The Paleta Gallery

Library
More info: www.knjiznica-ptuj.si

Amateur Culture
Republic of Slovenia Public Fond for Cultural Activities, regional branch office Ptuj is part of the government institution, which provides for professional and organizational assistance for the amateur culture.

Cultural Heritage
In the field of public service for protection of fixed cultural heritage as well as to ensure unified, professionally grounded and independent care of cultural heritage in Slovenia, national institution and its regional units were established.

Geography and Climate:

The lower Drava region

The Drava lowland consists of the Drava and the Ptuj plains bordered on the north by the hills of Slovenske Gorice, and on the south by Haloze. The typical feature of the region is the river Drava, a several hundred-years old boundary between the Aquileia patriarchy and the Salzburg archdiocese. The River is trapped in a gorge between the Pohorje Massif and Kozjak, while above Maribor it slows down its flow and widens its bed. Being the most watery river in Slovenia, which does not lack water even in summer, the river Drava is stemmed at several spots with power stations (Fala, Mariborski otok, Zlatoličje, Formin), which create reservoirs and artificial lakes in Maribor, Ptuj and Ormož. The construction of dams caused the abandon of river mills and rafting of lumber from rich Pohorje forests. The energetic power of the river Drava played an extremely important role between both wars in the industrial development of Maribor and Ruše, and after the second world war in the development of aluminium factory in Kidričevo.

The Drava and the Ptuj plains are among the most fertile areas in Slovenia. On vast stretches of land grow wheat and sugar beet, while potatoes grow on smaller ones. The Ptuj plain used to be famous for the cultivation of onion and was called "LUKARIJA (onion in the local dialect). The hilly region lives on fruit (especially apples) and wine-growing. Exceptional wine-growing sites, good soil and mild climatic conditions enable the production of high quality white wines in Dravinjske, Mariborske, Ormoške and Ptujske Hills, and in Haloze. Varietal wines of this region are quite famous in Slovenia and abroad, and even blends - trade marks such as Haložan, Mariborčan, Jeruzalemčan and Ritoznojčan - are well known and appreciated.

The Central Slovenske Gorice

The central Slovenske Gorice are densely populated. There are typically scattered settlements which spread over flat longitudinal ridges. Smaller villages built in clusters developed only around churches, which are normally situated on top of hills.

Economy, Prices and Living Standard:

Economy of Ptuj

In recent years many small and medium-sized enterprises have developed in municipality Ptuj and they are becoming an important carrier of development in our municipality, they create new workplaces and can boast themselves with several established brands.

After Slovenia's accession to the EU many opportunities have been arising for investing in expansion of industrial zone, where the locations will be offered to companies from the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. By moving their production capacities these countries can ensure a European production in the immediate vicinity of Schengen border, where we can provide home quality and also cheaper labour force from our neighbouring countries, which would at the same time migrate merely daily.

Well-developed economy in the town as a whole will also have positive effect on investors who wish to invest in the historic centre. There have already been investors interested in investing into family hotels, business hotel by the river Drava and other. Business Environment
Municipality Ptuj with its numerous institutions and projects promotes the progress and development of branches of economy.

In recent years many small and medium-sized enterprises have developed and they are becoming an important carrier of development in our municipality, they create new workplaces and can boast themselves with several established brands.

Business environment includes:

• Scientific Research Centre Bistra Ptuj
• Public Agency of the Republic of Slovenia for Entrepreneurship and Foreign Investments – JAPTI
• Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (GZS)
• Regional Chamber of Craft Ptuj (OOZP)
• Ministry of the Economy of Republic of Slovenia

Agriculture in Ptuj

Municipality Ptuj is situated in Northeastern part of Slovenia, in the centre of Lower Podravje region on the border with Prlekija region. It is the natural centre of area between Haloze and Slovenske Gorice, as well as Dravsko and Ptujsko polje.

This lowland territory and partly hilly area of Slovenske Gorice has always been known as a rich agricultural area with powerful family farms.

Farms in the territory of Ptuj municipality are small and fragmented, which can represent a serious obstacle for further development of agriculture. Majority of countryside inhabitants are earning their main source of income from other sources, agriculture is usually just a supplement. Relatively small number of farms is specialized in processing of agricultural products and other types of supplementary work on the farm.

For more infromation check following web page:
http://www.ptuj.si/economy