Lent - the oldest part of the city

Lent is the most charming and oldest part of Maribor. In front of the Old Vine House, the world’s oldest vine has sunk its roots deep into the ground—witness to countless stories along the banks of the Drava River. The strongest mark was left by the raftmen, who once stopped at what was then the largest rafting port to restock and prepare for their onward journey towards Croatia and Serbia. Many of Maribor’s main sights can be seen on a walk around Lent. The best place to start is at the Old Vine, then continue past the Judgement Tower to the Maribor Market, where you can buy authentic produce from local farmers and artisans. The route continues towards the Studenška Footbridge, where lovers lock a padlock to the railing as a symbol of eternal love. After crossing the Drava, a beautiful view of Maribor’s historic centre opens up from the right bank. Follow the right bank to the Old Bridge, cross it, and return towards the starting point via Usnjarska Street, past the medieval city walls to the Water Tower, where you can taste excellent local wines in a modern wine bar. Then climb up to Jewish Square to the synagogue and enjoy the wonderful view from the medieval walls.

For those who prefer longer walks, we recommend turning at the Studenška Footbridge onto the Rafting Educational Trail, which leads past Koblar Bay all the way to Maribor Island. Or take an even longer walk along the right bank of the Drava through the forest to the Drava Centre. There’s no doubt the Drava River has shaped Lent in many ways. Today, you can relive the rafting tradition with a ride on a traditional raft. Numerous bars, cafés and restaurants serving international cuisine invite you to relax and linger by the river with excellent hospitality. Every summer, Maribor hosts the Lent Festival, Slovenia’s largest open-air festival and one of the largest in Europe.