The Water Tower (Vodni stolp) stands in Maribor's Lent district, directly beside the left bank of the Drava River. Built in 1555, it formed part of the city's defences, strengthened against Ottoman attacks. The Renaissance fortification is distinguished by its pentagonal plan, thick stone walls and narrow firing openings. It was once connected to the city walls and the nearby Jewish Tower.
Its most unusual chapter is the rescue from demolition. In the 1960s, construction of the Zlatoličje hydroelectric power station raised the river level and threatened the historic building. Following plans by Jože Požauko, engineers used hydraulic jacks to raise the roughly 1,500-tonne tower by 2.6 metres. The work, carried out in 1967 and 1968, preserved an important part of Maribor's riverside heritage.
Today the tower houses Vinoteka Maribor, a wine shop showcasing Slovenian wines, particularly those from the Podravje wine region. Tastings and smaller cultural events take place within its historic walls. Outside, the renewed riverfront follows the site of the former river port, linking the city's trading past with its winemaking traditions.
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Location
2000 Maribor Show direction