The City Tower and the Bell Tower of Church St. Jurij

GUARDIAN OF TIME

The City Tower and the Bell Tower of St. George’s Church in Ptuj, also called the Guardian of Time, dominate the town’s skyline with their height of 54 meters and striking onion-shaped roof. They are a historical icon and one of the symbols of Slovenia’s oldest town.

First mentioned in the 14th century, the City Tower and the Bell Tower of St. George’s Church invite you to discover their story through an interactive exhibition, admire the unique mechanical clock with its 21-meter pendulum, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Ptuj and the old town center.

Why visit the City Tower and the Bell Tower of St. George’s Church?

Unique mechanical clock: The oldest and longest wooden clock pendulum in the world, measuring an impressive 21 meters, together with a 303-kilogram weight, is a true global rarity.
Breathtaking view: From the tower, you can enjoy the most beautiful panorama of Ptuj and its surroundings.
Rich history: An interactive exhibition takes you through centuries of stories about Slovenia’s oldest town and its remarkable clock.

The Legend of the Lord’s Clock

It is almost impossible to overlook the City Tower. A keen observer will notice that the clock is placed on only three sides. Legend has it that, since the castle lords refused to contribute their share for the clock, the townspeople left out the side facing the castle as a sign of protest.

When the small tower of Church St. Jurij burned down in the 17th century, the church began to use the City Tower for parish purposes.