Maribor

Maribor is the economic, cultural, and university center of northeastern Slovenia and the second-largest city in the country. It lies on the left bank of the Drava River in the Drava Statistical Region, near the Austrian border. The city serves as the seat of the City Municipality of Maribor and is a major rail and road hub for the region. Its setting at the foothills of the Pohorje massif and along a wine-producing valley shapes much of its economy and identity.

Maribor has a long urban history dating to medieval times, with a well-preserved core around the historic town center. Notable landmarks include the 15th‑century Maribor Castle, the town square with its baroque and art nouveau buildings, plus the dragon‑decorated Dragon Bridge spanning the Drava. The city is also known for the Old Vine, a vine reportedly several centuries old and a symbol of local wine culture. Every summer, the Lent Festival along the river presents music, theatre, and street arts.

Economically, Maribor is linked to wine production, services, and light industry, and it is a key logistics and transport node for Slovenia. The city hosts the University of Maribor and several faculties, contributing to research and higher education in the country. The surrounding wine hills and mountain slopes of Pohorje provide recreational opportunities, including skiing in winter and hiking in summer.