Maribor Regional Museum

The Maribor Regional Museum occupies Maribor Castle, the large fortified residence in the centre of the city that was built in the late fifteenth century, between 1478 and 1481, by order of the Habsburg Emperor Frederick III. Maribor lay near the frontier of the Habsburg lands and was exposed to Ottoman and Hungarian threats at that time, and the castle was intended to strengthen the defences of Lower Styria and to give the ruler a base in the town. It stands beside the main square, Grajski trg, and its position in the middle of the town, with the old streets around it, makes it an easy first stop in the old centre. Over the centuries the fortress was rebuilt and adapted as a noble residence and administrative building, and today it is the home of the regional museum, whose collections cover the whole of the Maribor region.

The museum is large, and the permanent exhibitions cover many periods. Archaeology is a main strength, with finds from prehistoric settlements, Roman sites and the early Middle Ages, including material from excavations in the town and the region. Other exhibitions deal with medieval life, the history of the town, daily life of the nobility and townspeople, crafts, costumes and the development of medicine and pharmacy, and a gallery presents European arts and crafts. Temporary exhibitions change regularly, and the museum also uses its rooms for events and concerts, so it is worth checking the programme.

The building is as interesting as the contents. The finest rooms include the Knights' Hall, a ceremonial space with a decorated ceiling and wall paintings, which is used for concerts and receptions, and the Loreto Chapel, a small and richly decorated Baroque space. The Rococo staircase, built in the eighteenth century, is a showpiece: a sweeping double stair with carved balustrades, statues and plasterwork, regarded as one of the finest in Slovenia, and it gives the entrance a theatrical air. Visitors who like architecture will enjoy simply walking through the halls and corridors. The museum has also made efforts to be accessible to visitors with reduced mobility and to people with hearing difficulties.

The castle is within easy reach of other sights in Maribor. The main square with the Plague Column, the cathedral, the Lent quarter on the river and the Old Vine are all within a short walk, and the Pohorje hills rise above the city. A visit to the museum takes between one and two hours depending on interest.

The museum suits history lovers, families, architecture fans and anyone who wants to understand the story of Maribor. Opening times, guided tour schedules and prices are shown in the practical details for the museum and may change, so check them before visiting.