Water Tower Maribor
Drava
The Maribor Water Tower is a remarkable late-Renaissance fortified structure located directly on the Drava River in Maribor, Slovenia. Built in 1555 by Italian master builders, this pentagonal tower was designed to protect the southeastern part of the city's defensive walls, particularly against threats from the river side. Constructed from massive stone blocks and featuring embrasures, it formed part of an extended fortification system that included the nearby Benetke Tower, also known as Maribor Venice. Over the centuries, the tower witnessed Maribor's development as a mercantile hub, especially through the port area called Pristan or Lent. In the 1960s, rising water levels due to damming threatened the tower with demolition, but it was saved by an innovative engineering project that raised the entire structure by 2.6 meters. Today, the Water Tower houses a wine shop specializing in top-quality Slovenian wines and features a large medieval-style banquet hall on its top floor dedicated to wine tasting. Its proximity to the world's oldest grapevine highlights Maribor's rich viticultural heritage, making the tower a unique blend of historical defense architecture and cultural wine tradition.
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Tip: Visit the Water Tower during the warmer months to enjoy wine tastings in the atmospheric medieval-style hall. Booking in advance is recommended for group tastings. The tower is best explored alongside a stroll along the Drava River banks and the nearby historic Lent district. While tickets are not typically required for the wine shop, check for any special events or guided tours that may require reservations. Early afternoon visits offer pleasant light for photography and a relaxed atmosphere.
Interesting facts
- •The Water Tower is pentagonal in shape and constructed from massive stone blocks with embrasures.
- •It was part of Maribor's defenses against Turkish raids in the 16th century.
- •The tower was physically raised by 2.6 meters in the 1960s to prevent flooding after damming of the Drava River.
- •It houses Slovenia's oldest wine cellar and a medieval-style banquet hall dedicated to wine tasting.
- •The world's oldest grapevine is located just a few hundred meters from the tower.
History
Originally built in 1555 to secure Maribor's southeastern city walls from riverborne threats, the Water Tower replaced earlier round towers and was part of a defensive expansion against Turkish raids.
The adjacent Benetke Tower and city gates complemented this fortification system.
The tower survived plans for demolition in the 1960s when damming of the Drava River raised water levels; it was preserved through a remarkable engineering feat that raised the 1500-ton structure by 2.6 meters.
Since then, it has been repurposed as a wine cellar and cultural site, reflecting Maribor's historical and viticultural significance.
Place Guide
Ground Floor Wine Shop
This area serves as a wine shop specializing in top-quality Slovenian wines, offering visitors a chance to explore local viticulture through a variety of selections.
Top Floor Banquet Hall16th century
A large, round hall with a high ceiling reminiscent of medieval banquet halls, dedicated to wine tasting events and cultural gatherings.
Contact
Phone: (02) 251 77 43
