Ptuj City Tower

The tower is a brick structure topped by a distinctive baroque onion dome visible from everywhere in Ptuj. The ascent passes through six levels with displays on each floor. The lower floors present archaeological finds: Roman coins of emperors Vespasian and Valens, pierced shells used as jewellery, medieval bronze pins and belt buckles. A mid-level room features a video presentation on the tower's and the town's history, along with archaeological showcases.

The centrepiece is the tower clock mechanism with its 21.4-metre wooden pendulum – according to the museum, the oldest and longest in the world. Every 15 minutes the gears engage, and at noon and 6 PM the large 18th-century bronze bell rings – the only original bell to survive the fires and wars. Standing beside it, visitors can feel the vibration.

The top platform offers a 360° view: Ptuj's tiled rooftops, the castle on the hill, the Drava River, and vineyards on the distant slopes. The clock has dials on only three sides – legend has it that the townspeople refused to install a fourth facing the castle, protesting after the castle nobles declined to pay their share of the costs.

Height – 54 metres from base to the top of the baroque onion dome

Pendulum – wooden, 21.4 m long – the oldest and longest in the world (per museum records)

Bell – bronze, 18th century, the only original to survive fires and wars over the centuries

Age – 10th-century foundations, current form from 1603, first documented mention in 1376

Legend of the missing dial – clocks show time on three sides; the fourth was never installed due to a dispute with castle nobility

The Gothic watchtower on Slovenski trg square was first documented in 1376 when Ptuj received its city charter. It initially served as a lookout to monitor approaches to the town and the Drava River. In 1603 the tower was rebuilt in its present form with the addition of a baroque dome. After the bell tower of St George's Church burned down in the 17th century, the city tower took on the additional role of parish bell tower.

Over the centuries, the tower survived several major fires (1684, 1705, 1710, 1744) in which bells melted, the clock was destroyed, and the roof was damaged. Each time, the townspeople rebuilt it. In the 2020s the tower underwent a full restoration: an interactive exhibition was installed, all levels were opened to visitors, and the clock mechanism was restored. Today the City Tower operates as an independent museum and one of Ptuj's top attractions.

Location:

Slovenski trg 14, 2250 Ptuj – right in the old town centre.

From Maribor (30 km, 25–40 min):

– Train (SŽ) – 35–40 min, €4–11

– Bus – 40 min, €3–5

– By rental car – 25 min

From Ljubljana (130 km, 1.5–2.5 hours):

– Direct train – 2 h 15 min, €12–28

– By car – approx. 1.5 hours via A1 motorway

Within Ptuj:

From the bus station – 10 min on foot. From Ptuj Castle – 10 min downhill.

Season: Open year-round. Summer hours (May–Sep): Mon–Sat 9:30–20:30, Sun 11:30–20:30. Winter: Mon–Fri 10:30–19:30, Sun 11:30–19:30.

Time of day: Arrive at noon or 6 PM to hear the big bell strike. Mornings have fewer visitors.

Duration: 30–45 minutes for the climb, exhibits, and panorama.

Avoid: Check the website for any Saturday closures or schedule changes.