Since 2016, a vineyard of 500 descendants of Najstarejša trta na svetu (the world’s oldest grapevine) has been growing on Maribor’s Kalvarija hill.

A vineyard with a special story lies on Maribor’s Kalvarija hill. In 2016, 500 descendants of Najstarejša trta na svetu (the world’s oldest grapevine), the famous Žametovka from Lent, were planted here. The vineyard brings together Maribor’s centuries-old wine heritage, Kalvarija’s rich history and the tradition of winegrowing education.

500 vines with one remarkable story

Najstarejša trta na svetu (The world’s oldest grapevine) is not the only member of its famous family in Maribor. Since 2016, 500 of its descendants have been growing on Kalvarija, one of the city’s best-known hills.

On 20 April 2016, Biotehniška šola Maribor (Maribor Biotechnical School) received grafted Žametovka vines, also known as Modra Kavčina, donated by the then mayor of Maribor, Dr Andrej Fištravec. The planting was accompanied by a charter bearing the city’s medieval seal, highlighting the historical significance of the occasion.

Why was the vineyard planted on Kalvarija?

For centuries, Kalvarija has been one of the important winegrowing areas above Maribor. Its winegrowing history dates back to the Middle Ages. Historical sources first mention the area in 1337 under the name Wordenberch.

The present name Kalvarija is associated with the Church of St Barbara, built in the 17th century. The hill is therefore both a popular viewpoint and an important part of Maribor’s cultural and winegrowing heritage.

Where wine knowledge passed from generation to generation

In 1872, the vineyard site on Kalvarija came under the ownership of what was then the Provincial School of Fruit Growing and Viticulture in Maribor. The area became an important place for educating future winegrowers and fruit growers. The planting of descendants of Najstarejša trta (the world’s oldest grapevine) continues this story. Today, the vineyard brings together historical knowledge, education and the preservation of one of the city’s most important wine attractions.

A walk combining nature and wine history

Kalvarija is also popular with visitors who want to explore the city on foot. Its walking paths offer views of Maribor and the surrounding hills, while the vineyards give the landscape its distinctive Styrian character.

If you are interested in wine heritage, history and scenic views, Kalvarija is an excellent addition to a visit to Najstarejša trta (the world’s oldest grapevine) in Lent.

Frequently asked questions

In 2016, 500 grafted Žametovka vines, also known as Modra Kavčina, were planted on Kalvarija.
On Kalvarija, a winegrowing hill above Maribor.
Yes. Walking paths cross Kalvarija, offering views of the city and its surroundings.
Culinary Culture Local Outdoors