Maribor Cathedral

Maribor Cathedral, dedicated to St John the Baptist, stands on Slomšek Square in the city centre. Its origins date to the 12th century, when it was built as a Romanesque church. Later alterations gave it a largely Gothic appearance, complemented by Baroque features. It became a cathedral in 1859, when Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek transferred the seat of the Diocese of Lavant to Maribor.

A central feature is the tomb of Blessed Anton Martin Slomšek, placed in the Chapel of the Holy Cross in 1996. The chancel contains intricately carved choir stalls dating from 1771, with gilded reliefs depicting the life of St John the Baptist, created by Jožef Holzinger. Gothic vaults, historic furnishings and artworks reflect centuries of architectural change.

Beside the cathedral stands the 57-metre bell tower, once used as a fire watchtower. Its exhibition, The Guardroom on the Tower, explores the lives of the watchkeepers who protected the city from fires. A viewing platform offers views across Maribor. The cathedral remains the city's principal Catholic church and an important part of its cultural heritage.