Star Venues of Maribor

Maribor, photo by Matej Vranic
Maribor, photo by Matej Vranic

When was the last time you left a conference inspired, humming with new ideas and broadened horizons? Would you like to engage with such an experience? Read on! Sometimes, the transformation of mindsets requires a change of perspective, shuffling some things around, turning concepts upside down and reaching for new, unexplored stories. So, seize your chance, spin the globe and pack your suitcase! Next station: the star locations of Maribor, the Styrian capital by the foot of the green Pohorje plateau.

Wine, wine and more wine!

Maribor – European Capital of Culture 2012 and the Slovenian Styrian capital – offers a lively atmosphere for meetings and events of all kinds, owing in part to the fact Slovenia’s second largest city is committed to the grapevine: Maribor is a winegrowing city and the home of the oldest living vine in the world. The winemaking tradition is here felt on every step, and you can embark on adventures across wine routes leading to the charming shops in downtown Maribor, or to one of the wine roads on the picturesque hills surrounding it. Premium Styrian wines, genuine home cuisine and merry spirits are guaranteed! One of Maribor’s most unique venues is the Renaissance Water Tower, refurbished into an novel wine shop. The pentagonal fort once defending the land now promises new dimensions of wine tasting. Meetings of up to 60 persons can be held on the ground floor with its offer of choice wines, or in the old bastion with its round hall in medieval style.

Where wine roads follow the shape of the heart

You must have seen that iconic photo of a heart-shaped wine route? It’s not an edit! A short ride from Maribor lies Špičnik with its amazing heart among the vineyards. Like they say, Slovenia is a land of love. Feel Slovenia, #myway

Maribor Regional Museum – all things beautiful in one place

The splendid castle rooms of the Maribor Regional Museum make for a distinguished ambience with a historical flair. In the Maribor Castleyou can host events in the elegant Knights’ Hall,admitting up to 200 standing guests, the fabulous Rococo Staircase with 100 standing places, or perhaps the Arcades – a historical promenade of the gentry offering perfect views over Maribor and several event setups, accommodating up to 300 standing guests or 200 seats. Other interior and outdoor spaces of the castle are also available for rental, serving as historical or interactive backdrops to your event. Give wings to your imagination!

When one of Maribor’s oldest church becomes a modern venue

Alongside its extraordinary wine tradition, wellness offer, stellar cuisine, hospitable and joyous people, events throughout the year, surrounding eco-tourism and, not last, a great selection of outdoor activities and a championship spirit, Maribor also boasts a vibrant history.

In the medieval district Lent by the River Drava, the Franciscan monks established a monastery in the 13th century. The Minorite Monastery is now an important part of Maribor’s oldest material heritage, first recorded in 1209. Its appearance changed throughout the ages, with a final complete renovation in the years 2014 and 2015. Today’s church design dates back to the 18th century when the Baroque front and tower were added, and visitors may travel through three epochs as they pass the foundations of the Romanesque basilica in addition to features of the Gothic and Baroque construction. The Minorite Church is adjacent to the restored monastery, which has since 2010 been the home of the Maribor Puppet Theatre that manages the sacral part as a special event venue. The theatre stretches across 2,500 square meters of surface with two halls – the great hall with 240 seats, and the small hall with 80, alongside the Auditorium which admits up to 520 standing guests. The church chambers are best suited for musical activities as well as technically less demanding stagings, exhibitions or receptions of up to 250 standing attendees in the Stalls.

Maribor is the business, scientific, academic, cultural and political centre of eastern Slovenia, as well as an increasingly popular host of congresses, conferences, incentives and other MICE activities. This time we’ve featured some of the winegrowing city’s enchanting venues – it’s your turn now to discover your own stories off the beaten path, across Styria’s networking hub …

Sounds promising? Follow “Star Locations” at the website www.slovenia-convention.com.

Welcome, and let us impress you!

Author: Jasna Jašič, Marketing & Communications Manager, Slovenian Convention Bureau