Ptuj: Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe for 2026

European Best Destinations declared the oldest Slovenian town Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe for 2026. Check out why.

From the Romans to the Kurenti

A visit to Ptuj is a journey through various historical periods and an opportunity to discover the town’s rich cultural heritage.

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The story of this town situated next to the Drava River and sheltered between the wine-producing hills of Haloze and Slovenske Gorice goes all the way back to the Neolithic era, when the first settlements were established in this territory, and the time of the Romans, who left a significant mark on Poetovio, as Ptuj was known at that time. A walk through the oldest Slovenian town reveals the remnants of the Roman period as well as majestic medieval buildings, the foremost of which is Ptuj Castle.

Ptuj’s main star is a Kurent, a traditional Shrovetide character, and the door-to-door rounds of the Kurenti were inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

But Ptuj also boasts a modern vibe, as demonstrated by varied festival events and a vivacious cultural scene enhanced by a wealth of excellent local wines and dishes. Moreover, Ptuj is a perfect destination for both active experiences and for enjoying some relaxing pampering in thermal water.

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All of the above resulted in Ptuj being named the Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe for 2026 by European Best Destinations. Feel the cultural heart of Ptuj.

Ptuj as the Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe for 2026

Watch videoDoživite Evropsko mesto kulturne dediščine 2026

Kurent: A Ptuj superstar in the UNESCO List

If you visit Ptuj and its surrounding area during Shrovetide, you’re bound to meet the scary woolly creature who hides a good heart under his sheepskin, bells and horns. Kurent is a traditional Shrovetide character who chases away the winter and heralds the arrival of spring. The door-to-door rounds of the Kurenti in the villages of the Drava Field, the Haloze Hills and the Slovenske Gorice Hills were inscribed in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The climax of Shrovetide activities in Ptuj is Kurentovanje, the largest Slovenian Shrovetide carnival, which has been ranked among the ten best carnivals in the world by the travel media outlet, Lonely Planet. Even when the Kurenti are not running through the streets and squares of Ptuj, you can learn about their tradition at the Kurent House in the centre of Ptuj.

Meet the Kurenti

People dressed in traditional kurent costumes with colorful ribbons walk down a sunny, bustling street.

Dance with the Kurenti

Join in with the lively events taking place in Ptuj during Kurentovanje and enjoy the carefree atmosphere that reigns among the various Shrovetide masks.

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Kurenti: scary, but nice

Learn about Kurenti in countless ways. Kurent or Korant? Scary or friendly? Both, actually. Discover the diverse face masks of Kurenti, Shrovetide traditions, customs and rituals that accompany the famous Shrovetide character who roams around Ptuj and its surroundings during the Shrovetide. In doing so, you’ll also learn about some interesting curiosities that accompany Kurentovanje in Ptuj.

Kurent on Google Arts and Culture

Ptuj festivals for every taste and in all seasons

Festivals are held in Ptuj throughout the year. The festivities start with Kurentovanje and continue late into the spring with homemade delicacies and selected local wines. In summer, the streets and squares of Ptuj are overwhelmed by music, wine and festivals that take you far back in the history of the town. Autumn celebrates the wine tradition of Ptuj and its surroundings, while the town’s fairytale appearance in December is perfected by the scent of festive goodies, pleasant music and joyous laughter.

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December fairytale in Ptuj

Like numerous other Slovenian cities and towns, Ptuj also puts on fairytale attire in the festive season. When strolling through the decorated streets and squares, you can stop at festive market stalls and try tasty holiday delicacies, enjoy music and attend concerts, express your creativity in workshops and later work off your excess energy at the ice rink.

Enjoy Advent in Ptuj

Cultural centres of Ptuj: Where there’s always something going on

Museums and galleries, theatres and concert stages found in the lavish venues of ancient buildings add to the cultural atmosphere of Ptuj. Everyone can find something for themselves here, whether they are an avid lover of classics or a worshipper of modern art.

Visit the cultural centres of Ptuj

Ptuj Castle: A treasure trove of the millennia

This majestic castle is part of the integral townscape of Ptuj. It towers over the town like a guardian and harbours an abundant treasure trove of history behind its massive walls. The castle houses the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum, in which you can find exceptional artefacts ranging from musical instruments and weapons to traditional Shrovetide masks and glorious tapestries. The castle platform offers a beautiful view of the town.

Ptuj Castle: A treasure trove of the millennia

Minorite Monastery: Among books and wine

The Minorite monastery is one of Ptuj’s significant cultural centres. It boasts an exceptional monastery library with more than 5,000 books and the oldest wine cellar in Slovenia. The arcade courtyard is a popular venue for various summer events and concerts.

Dominican Monastery: A cultural and congress centre

The Dominican monastery in Ptuj, one of the most charming Gothic-Baroque style buildings in Slovenia, is nowadays the lively cultural and congress hub of the oldest Slovenian town. Diverse events take place behind its walls, from concerts, exhibitions, culinary evenings and conferences to gala ceremonies that bring to life the building’s rich history.

The Old Glassworks: The hub of youth and modern art

Together with the nearby Vrazov Trg Square, the Old Glassworks has always been a place of creativity. For a while, it offered its space to avant-garde creators, but has now become a youth and cultural centre in which a wide range of events, concerts, workshops and lectures are held.

Ptuj galleries

Those who appreciate fine arts can visit numerous galleries scattered around Ptuj. Admire contemporary pieces of art in the Ptuj City Gallery. Enter the Mihelič Gallery and learn about the work of the renowned Slovenian artist, France Mihelič. Visit the Luna Art Gallery that houses works by Slovenian and international artists. Discover the family extravaganza of the Lugarič Family in the Florian Gallery, while the Art Stays Gallery is a special space intended solely and exclusively for art and a place where artists and lovers of all things beautiful meet.

Discover the different faces of Ptuj

In addition to its rich cultural life, the oldest Slovenian town offers much more. Foodies and lovers of supreme wines will feel right at home in Ptuj. Its green surroundings enable an array of options for active exploration on foot or by bike. In Terme Ptuj, you can be pampered with a touch of ancient Rome. Experience Ptuj in your own way.

Explore more about Ptuj

Feel the cultural heart of Slovenia

Take a peek into the treasure trove of Slovenian art and culture. Admire the creations of famous artists in the galleries and listen to the stories told in the museums and also on the streets of historical towns. Learn about precious rarities that are exceptional even on a global scale. Surrender to the modern cultural flow and creativity.

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Arts and Culture

Slovenia boasts a rich cultural tradition.

Galleries and museums

Museums and galleries in Slovenia – a treasure trove of art from prehistoric times until today.

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Experiences that will make your stay in Slovenian towns worthwhile.

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UNESCO World Heritage

Slovenian treasure troves of world heritage

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Ptuj: Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe for 2026

From the Romans to the Kurenti