Vivat Glassworks

In the 17th and 18th centuries, five glassworks operated in the Ruše Pohorje area. The longest-running one was the Glassworks near Ruše (Sp. Benediktov dol or Vivat Glassworks), which ceased operation at the end of the 19th century (1893). Three masonry buildings from the former glass factory are still preserved. At the site where the factory once stood, the cellar is most likely still intact. In addition to ordinary glass, they produced finely cut glass, milk glass, ruby glass, glass ornaments, bottles, and glasses with inserted images or chemically engraved decorations. Luxury glassware was exported to Italy, Greece, the Levant, Egypt, and America.

The Glassworks near Ruše is also known as the birthplace of the renowned Maribor pharmacist Franc Minarik. A memorial plaque in his honor is placed on the former administrative building, as his father was the manager of the glassworks.