Pride of the
cityscape
Unforgettable view of the town
Voice of the past History through the eyes of the tower Guardian of time Unique tower clock
A blend of history, the art of timekeeping, and breathtaking views.

Stories of the Centuries

Discover stories that stretch back more than 700 years, take in the view over Slovenia’s oldest city, and explore one of the world’s most fascinating tower clock mechanisms.

About the City Tower

Guardian of Ptuj's Streets

The City Tower and the bell tower of St. George’s Church, the crown of Ptuj’s skyline, rises 54 meters into the sky with its onion-shaped dome. Its current appearance dates back to 1603, built on the ancient foundations of a 10th-century Gothic tower. Initially a city watchtower, it evolved into the guardian of time and bells. The tower has survived many fires and wars that destroyed the original clock, melted the bells, and ravaged the roof, yet it endured and remains the proud guardian of Ptuj’s streets.

What time reveals – and conceals?

Legends and Secrets

Many stories and legends are told about the tower. One of the most famous is the tale of the missing dial on the north side of the clock – according to folklore, because the noblemen refused to contribute to the purchase or renovation of the clock. Some see a surprising similarity in the clock’s locking mechanism to Leonardo da Vinci’s designs, although a connection to the Renaissance master has yet to be confirmed.

The heart of the tower that never stops ticking

Clock and Pendulum

For more than 300 years, the clock mechanism of the City Tower has measured time with precisely crafted gears, weights, and an authentic wooden pendulum that is 21 meters long — the longest still-functioning pendulum of its kind in the world. This mechanical system, powered without electricity, moves the hands on three sides of the tower. Once maintained daily by clockmakers, it still impresses with its reliability and technical excellence.

Voices of the past that still echo today

Bells

Through the centuries, the bells of the City Tower have marked important moments – from celebrations to warnings of danger. Step into the past and see the magnificent bronze bell from the 18th century, the only original bell that has survived to this day! Each bell once carried its own stories and inscriptions that reflect the city’s turbulent history. Experience the moment when the bell’s sound fills the space and takes you back to a time when sound was the only timekeeper in the city.

When history comes alive beneath your feet

Archaeology

Don’t miss the exceptional archaeological finds that reveal Ptuj’s rich history.
Among them are Roman coins from the emperors Vespasian and Valens, and pierced shells once used as jewelry. The Middle Ages are represented by bronze pins, belt buckles, and other objects that depict the daily life of past residents. Each exhibit carries its own story, inviting you to uncover the city’s thousand-year evolution.

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Pon – Sob: 9:30 – 20:30
Ned: 11:30 – 20:30

Otroci (0-5 let): brezplačno
Otroci (od 6. do 15. leta
starosti): 3€
Študentje, dijaki, upokojenci in osebe z invalidnostjo: 5€
Odrasli: 7€
Družina: 15€

Slovenski trg 14,
2250 Ptuj,
Slovenija
+386 31 743 717