Maribor Cathedral Bell Tower stands beside the Cathedral of St John the Baptist on Slomšek Square in the city centre. Its history dates to 1325, when a watchtower was built beside the parish church to monitor the town and its surroundings. It later became a bell tower while retaining an important role as a fire lookout, helping protect Maribor from the fires that repeatedly threatened the city.
A fire watchkeeper once lived high in the tower, sounding the bells to warn residents of danger. The last person to hold this position was Antonia Weiss, who served until the watch was discontinued in 1933. Today, the exhibition The Guardroom on the Tower, established during Maribor's European Capital of Culture year in 2012, presents the daily lives and responsibilities of the former watchkeepers.
A climb of 162 steps leads past the church bells to the exhibition and an outdoor viewing platform. From here, the historic centre, rooftops and surrounding landscape are visible. The platform also features a wishing bell. The tower has a separate entrance from Poštna Street.
Working hours
Masses Monday–Saturday: 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Masses Sunday: 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Contact
Location
2000 Maribor Show direction