Slovenian Knight of the Queen of Sports is a title often associated with Kristjan Čeh, Slovenia's premier athlete, record holder and world champion. Alongside numerous medals and outstanding achievements, he boasts one of the top ten discus throw results in history. Yet behind the image of this incredibly strong and unbeatable athlete lies a simple boy from Ptuj, who dreams of farming and living a modest life after his career. His warmth, kindness and modesty have also captured the heart of his fiancée, Estonian athlete Anna Marie Orel.
When Kristjan Čeh is at home in Ptuj, he cherishes the time spent with his fiancée Anna Maria and his family and friends. Kristjan enjoys showing Anna Maria the beauties of Slovenia. His passion for discus throwing has taken him around the world, but currently, he spends a significant part of the year in Estonia, Anna Maria's homeland, for training. Anna Maria, also exceptionally successful in discus throwing, is an ideal companion for him during both conditioning and technique training.
Slovenia continually impresses with its natural and cultural treasures. Curious about what to explore in Ptuj?
Although Kristjan has taken his fiancée Anna Maria to many places around Slovenia, he saved his hometown of Ptuj for a special occasion. Ptuj, Slovenia's oldest town, was the largest city in the region during the Roman Empire, surpassing even London and Vienna in size.
Perched on Castle Hill, one of Slovenia's oldest inhabited sites, the Ptuj Castle overlooks the town and the Drava River. As part of the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum, it serves as a central link among the region's three notable castles: Ptuj Castle, Ormož Castle and Velika Nedelja Castle.
Kristjan and Anna begin their romantic stroll around Ptuj on the Castle Hill, which provides breathtaking views in every direction: over the sun-drenched plains where Slovenian wheat fields stretch out, the shimmering Ptuj Lake, reminiscent of the Pannonian Lake, and the verdant, wine-growing hills of Haloze and Slovenske gorice.
A lover of the sea and shopping, Anna Maria has already explored the Slovenian coast, the vibrant capital Ljubljana, the charming Styrian city of Maribor and the picturesque gem of Bled, all thanks to Kristjan. Each destination has left a lasting impression, but what she likes most is how easily accessible and close everything is in Slovenia.
Kristjan and Anna Maria share a deep passion for athletics and throwing disciplines, leading to endless conversations about these sports, their history and the greatest athletes. After a stroll from the castle to the old town of Ptuj, they stop for photos and to greet fans who warmly welcome them at every turn. Anna Maria notes that Kristjan's achievements have made such encounters a common occurrence, no matter where they go.
Their relationship is truly remarkable and serves as an inspiration to any sports couple. Anna Maria's expertise in the discus throw consistently impresses those familiar with the sport. Her skills not only challenges Kristjan but also drive him to push his own limits. At the same time, Kristjan’s support and motivation help Anna Maria excel. This allows them to spend significant, quality time with each other.
Anna Maria, with her love for all things beautiful, is thrilled when Kristjan selects a unique spot in Ptuj for a brief visit during their walk. MuziKAFE Dom KULTure stands out as a true cultural and artistic hub, catering to film enthusiasts, theatre lovers, visual artists, musicians and aficionados of fine drinks. Housed in a 17th-century building, the owners have showcased their remarkable artistic talent and creativity. Each corner of this charming café and hotel tells its own story, inviting guests to delve into the rich world of art and culture.
The renowned wine-growing region and rich winemaking tradition have given rise to a unique festival that epitomizes a visit to Ptuj at the end of summer. This vibrant celebration named Days of poetry and wine features music concerts, theatre performances, film screenings, poetry readings and a variety of other cultural and artistic events that enliven the streets of Ptuj. Recently, the festival expanded to Maribor, further broadening its reach. Thousands of visitors from Slovenia and beyond come to Ptuj, finding inspiration and a receptive audience for their creative endeavours, contributing to the city's dynamic contemporary art scene.
Due to their demanding schedules filled with training and competitions, Anna Maria and Kristjan seldom have the opportunity to attend captivating events like the Days of Wine and Poetry or the traditional Kurentovanje, one of Slovenia's largest and most vibrant carnivals.
The Kurent's traditional door-to-door rounds are recognized on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. From the Feast of Candlemas in early February to Ash Wednesday, the streets of Ptuj are filled with the lively presence of Kurent masks, which revive age-old customs and traditions of the winter chase. Even today, a visit from a Kurent is believed to bring good fortune for the entire year.
The delightful sunny weather, a hallmark of Ptuj, draws them to the scenic banks of the Drava River, one of Europe's largest waterways. As they stroll past the Dominican Monastery—recently renovated and now serving as a congress and cultural centre—they make their way to the iconic Instagram spot. Standing on the bridge over the Drava, with the stunning Ptuj Castle and the shimmering river as their backdrop, Anna Maria and Kristjan capture the moment with photos that they proudly share on social media.
Before lunch, they decide to get some more recreation by exploring Ptuj from the Drava River. They rent a canoe and all the necessary safety equipment for an hour-long paddle along the river. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the Čigra tourist boat, operating from May to September, offers a comfortable way to explore the natural beauty of Lake Ptuj and its surroundings.
After a morning of activity, lunch is the perfect choice, as every athlete knows. Their rowing adventure concludes at the quay in front of the Ribič restaurant, where tradition meets innovation in top-quality cuisine. Established at the end of the 19th century, this historic inn is one of the oldest in Ptuj, originally serving meals to rafters and float boaters navigating the Drava River.
Originally a bakery, the establishment has evolved into one of Ptuj's most renowned restaurants. Today, it is celebrated for its exquisite cuisine, which transforms locally sourced ingredients into memorable culinary experiences, reflecting a unique blend of tradition and modern gastronomy.
Anna Maria and Kristjan select a special menu to conclude their romantic escape to Ptuj: the Flavours of Ptuj tasting menu. Kristjan, who dreams of owning his own farm someday, is particularly excited about traditional ingredients like Ptuj onion, a protected EU food product. This unique Slovenian onion variety has been cultivated in Ptuj for over 200 years. Their fish menu features the distinguished zander, known as the king of freshwater fish, while the meat option offers a surprising twist—pork paired with a side of beetroot, parsley root, kohlrabi and apricots. Sound unusual? Once you’ve tasted it, you'll discover that this combination is surprisingly delicious.
The dessert showcases Slovenian creativity, featuring a blend of pumpkin oil and jurka, an ancient vine variety. Known for its distinctive aroma, jurka truly shines when transformed into jams and juices, adding a special touch to the sweet finale.
Ptuj offers a rich historical experience that comes to life through guided tours and engaging events that take you back in time. Explore the surrounding wine-growing region, renowned for its exceptional white wines, and taste its finest treasures.
Visit the oldest wine cellar in Slovenia, which has stored the best wine from the Haloze Hills and the Slovenske Gorice Hills for 700 years. Join a guided tour of the Ptuj Wine Cellar to taste the best vintages. At the wine archive, you will see the treasures of this cellar, such as the oldest Slovenian vintage from 1917 – the Golden Vine, and the largest wooden barrel, which can store more than 22,115 litres of wine.
MoreVisit the oldest wine cellar in Slovenia, which has stored the best wine from the Haloze Hills and the Slovenske Gorice Hills for 700 years. Join a guided tour of the Ptuj Wine Cellar to taste the best vintages. At the wine archive, you will see the treasures of this cellar, such as the oldest Slovenian vintage from 1917 – the Golden Vine, and the largest wooden barrel, which can store more than 22,115 litres of wine.
MoreIn addition to the Ptuj Wine Cellar, you can also taste the wines of Ptuj and its surrounding area at the Osterberger Wine Cellar, the Kobal Wine Bar and in the darkness of the tunnels under Ptuj Castle. In Ptuj, wine intertwines excellently with poetry, which can be experienced at the Days of Poetry and Wine, and don’t miss the Salon Sauvignon festival either. Enjoy some relaxing moments in the town’s cafés, such as Kipertz, with its house coffee brand, or Muzikafe, where you can sit on the green patio.
MoreJoin a thematic guided tour group and travel back in time to the majestic Roman city of Poetoviona, first mentioned in records 1,950 years ago. Its remnants can be seen at every step. The Orpheus Monument and the Povoden Museum situated in the idyllic Slovenski trg square, the Panorama (the open-air archaelogical museum) and shrines dedicated to Mithras, the god of sun and light. To make your experience complete, visit the encampment during the Roman Games to enjoy a delicious dinner and Mulsum, an ancient Roman mixture of wine and honey.
MoreWhen winter says goodbye and spring is on the doorstep, the streets of Ptuj transform into a true carnival town. Shrovetide is known for numerous events, culminating in the traditional ethnographic parade and international carnival parade ruled by the Kurenti. Learn more about these characters by touring the ethnographic collection at Ptuj Castle, visiting the Kurent House for an interactive experience and attending Kurent attire workshops.
MoreEven though Ptuj is Slovenia’s oldest town, it has a young heart. Feel its pulse by visiting the Art Stays festival of modern art. Visit the Ptuj City Gallery and see colourful graffiti in the old town centre. Have a coffee under the Orpheus Monument and try local beer varieties at the Bodi Café. Satisfy your shopping needs at fashionable boutiques in the old town centre.
MoreLearn about the picturesque Ptuj countryside and explore the brinks of Slovenia's most extensive rolling hill landscape, the Slovenske Gorice Hills. The hiking and cycling trail to Mestni Vrh begins just a stone’s throw from the town centre, and it takes you through an idyllic landscape of rolling hills with vineyards and orchards. On this trail, you can try excellent local white wines and other culinary specialities.
Photo: Boštjan Selinšek
MoreLearn about the picturesque Ptuj countryside and explore the brinks of Slovenia's most extensive rolling hill landscape, the Slovenske Gorice Hills. The hiking and cycling trail to Mestni Vrh begins just a stone’s throw from the town centre, and it takes you through an idyllic landscape of rolling hills with vineyards and orchards. On this trail, you can try excellent local white wines and other culinary specialities.
Photo: Boštjan Selinšek
MoreWalking or cycling on the gentle hills of Haloze on the right bank of the River Drava is a special experience, as travellers can only rarely have such a broad selection of trails. These trails take you amongst small hills and valleys and provide you with exquisite panoramic views of landscape covered in vineyards, old orchards, and forests. If you wish to experience a truly wonderful view of the Haloze Hills, Ptuj, and the Pohorje Hills, climb up to the Church of St Anna.
MoreAscend to the Ptuj Castle and let yourself be enchanted by the view it offers, its rich museum collections and its immense wine cellar where you can raise a toast with your loved ones in a gigantic barrel that can hold 40,000 litres of wine. Those who are more courageous are invited to indulge in a wine tasting in the dark that takes place in a mysterious tunnel under the castle. The pitch black atmosphere of the tunnel makes one feel the wine, not only taste it.
MoreTreat yourself to a relaxing stay at the Terme Ptuj Spa. The Flavia World of Saunas and Imperium Wellness await you at the Valens Augusta Wellness Centre, where they will see to your regeneration and youthful appearance. Listen to your body and be re-energised at the Fortuna Park with the Pinwheel of Health, or have a relaxing walk at the former temple of the god Mithras.
MoreTreat yourself to a relaxing stay at the Terme Ptuj Spa. The Flavia World of Saunas and Imperium Wellness await you at the Valens Augusta Wellness Centre, where they will see to your regeneration and youthful appearance. Listen to your body and be re-energised at the Fortuna Park with the Pinwheel of Health, or have a relaxing walk at the former temple of the god Mithras.
MoreIn the oldest Slovenian town, in the midst of invigorating thermal springs and wine-growing hills, take some time for yourself, give your body the gift of divine indulgence and taste the fullness of life as the ancient Romans once did. Treat yourself to a brief weekend getaway and discover the secret to living harmoniously in your own unique way.
MoreIt is no coincidence that the most beautiful view of the town opens up from the bridge over the Drava. The mighty river flows underneath it, offering a number of spots to relax and experience the great outdoors, whether on a romantic walk along the Drava, observing a colourful variety of birds at Lake Ptuj, or soaking up the sun on Ptuj’s very own beach. A green haven from the summer heat can be found in the town park, while the colourful shades of autumn are displayed in their full glory in the town vineyard.
MoreExplore more fascinating places in the surrounding area. Head upstream along the River Drava to reach Maribor, just 30 km away, home to the world’s oldest grapevine. For a relaxing thermal experience, visit one of the many spas in Pomurje, located 60 km from Ptuj. This distance also takes you to Celje, another historic town linked to Ptuj through its Roman archaeological heritage. Be sure to explore the Old Castle while you’re there. Additionally, don’t miss Rogaška Slatina, 43 km from Ptuj, where you can enjoy thermal baths, sample the therapeutic mineral water Donat Mg, and admire exquisite crystal creations.
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