"Ptujska gora" Ptujska Gora by Vanity666

Ptujska Gora lies on one of the last hills of Haloze, before the world inclines against North into the plain of the Dravsko polje. In the South over the river Dravinja lie steep hills of Haloze with the mountains Donačka gora and Boč.From Ptujska Gora one has a beautiful view in all four directions: from the recognisable Boč and the distant hills called ‘zasavski hribi’ to the mountain Pohorje.To the North over Maribor to the peaks over Graz and to the nearby Ptuj with the Slovenske gorice and in the South over the steep rolling hill country of Haloze over the Croatian border.

The most known part of Ptujska gora is the church, which stands on the peak of the 352m high hill and is visible from afar. On the gentle slopes through the centuries arose numerous homes, which form the centre of the settlement Ptujska Gora.

The road leads from two sides between the houses to the spacious village square, which was renovated a few years ago. From the square a staircase leads to the most beautiful gothic church of Slovenia, which attracts numerous pilgrims, tourists and accidental visitors. Every year about 60.000 visitors visit Ptujska gora.

In history Ptujska Gora had several names: the folk name was Črna Gora (Black mountain), in German the village was called Maria Neustift (Maria New Convent), and in the old documents the Latin name Mons Gratiarum – Merciful mountain is mentioned.

Ptujska Gora is also a very popular point for hikers and cyclists, above all because of the beautiful view on the Dravsko polje flatlands and hills of Haloze, and from where also some hiking trails lead. Since last year, there is a tourist office in Ptujska Gora, which is lead by the local tourist association. Besides in the winter months the office is opened every day, especially at the weekends, when larger groups of tourists arrive. There you are able to get information of the tourist offer in the nearer surroundings, and you can buy souvenirs and postcards.