Ptuj, Slovenia

Ptuj is the oldest city in Slovenia, and it is an easy drive from either Ljubljana or Zagreb (which would involve a border crossing which is of indeterminent difficulty--but there is a nice duty free store to sweeten the pot). It is in the heart of a white wine growing region in Slovenia, and as is true of much of the country, the rolling hills with vineyards terraced into the sides of them are ubiquitous. If all you do in Slovenia is drive around, you are in for a treat. It is just gorgeous, in a rural and productive agricultural sense. Being from Iowa, we appreciate the fertility of the land, and the hills are a nice change of pace.

Numerous archeological remains prove that the city experienced its first period of prosperity as the Roman town of Poetovio. The present much admired appearance of the city originated during the Middle Ages when Ptuj experienced its second rise to wealth and prominence. The castle, the Dominican and Minorite monasteries, the Provost Church, the old City Hall, the patrician houses, numerous marvelously carved doors, wrought iron window grills, and stonecutting details are the most important elements testifying to the spiritually and materially rich life of the people in this region. Diverse and lush buildings abound.

We had a fantastic meal in Ptuj. We were there on a Sunday, so much of the town was out on the street after church, but we managed to get a riverside table at the Ribic Restaurant--what a wonderful luncheon menu! The light fish plate for two was spectacular to behold--and if that is the light plate, you don't want to tackle the heavy one--there was a wide variety of options, with two whole fish anchoring it down. The food was equalled by the setting, and we would defintiely go back to eat and walk around the town.