Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city, boasts a rich and resilient history shaped by its strategic location along the Drava River and near Central European trade routes. First mentioned in the 12th century as a castle settlement, Maribor grew into an important medieval town by the 13th century, surrounded by fortifications—remnants of which can still be seen today in the Judgement Tower and Water Tower.

During the Middle Ages, Maribor became a vital trade and wine-producing center, with its fertile surroundings fueling a centuries-old viticulture tradition, including the world’s oldest grapevine, which still grows in the city’s Old Town.

Under Habsburg rule, Maribor thrived as a multicultural city at the crossroads of Slovenian and German influences. The city experienced industrial growth in the 19th century, becoming a key railway hub and manufacturing center.

In the 20th century, Maribor endured hardship during World War II, suffering heavy bombing and occupation. After the war, it rebuilt itself as a major industrial city within Yugoslavia. Following Slovenia’s independence in 1991, Maribor embraced its cultural heritage, reviving its historical sites and promoting its wine and festival traditions.

Today, Maribor is a city where history lives in its charming old squares, cobblestone streets, and vine-covered hills, offering travelers a meaningful glimpse into Slovenia’s past.