Maribor Castle

One of the most splendid architectural monuments in our city stands proudly right in its heart: the Maribor Castle, surrounded by the ever lively Grajski Trg, Trg Svobode, and Trg Generala Maistra. Inside, visit the Maribor Regional Museum, where you will be amazed by collections of priceless value.

The castle, adorned with elements from various architectural and construction periods, was built between 1478 and 1483 by Emperor Frederick III with the aim of fortifying the northeastern part of the city walls. Over time, the castle was transformed into a lavish feudal residence.

The central space of the castle is the ceremonial, also known as the Knights’ Hall. The hall boasts rich interior furnishings with paintings by the artistic families Quadri and Lorenzo Laurigo. On the oval ceiling is a depiction of a cavalry battle between Christian and Turkish armies, painted in 1763 by the Graz artist Johann Gebler. In 1847, as recorded by a contemporary chronicler, Franz Liszt performed in the Knights’ Hall “before a distinguished audience.” Several notable figures have also visited the castle. Among its royal guests were Leopold I, Charles VI, and likely Maria Theresa, as well as the Russian crown prince and future Tsar Paul I. In 1782, Pope Pius VI spent the night in the castle. During the German occupation of Maribor in World War II, Adolf Hitler also visited the castle.

Among the castle’s significant architectural achievements are:

• The baroque staircase, built between 1747 and 1759

• The Loreto Chapel on the southern façade, constructed between 1665 and 1675

• The Knights’ Hall on the first floor with its beautiful ceiling painting by Josef Gebler and wall paintings

The eastern castle façade ends at the northeastern corner with the castle bastion, built by Domenico dell’Allio between 1556 and 1562. It served as a defensive point along the city moat.