Plizio Visual Lab
Plague Column in Maribor
The Plague Column in Maribor is a magnificent Baroque monument located in the center of the Main Square (Glavni trg). Completed in 1743 by the sculptor Joseph Straub, it replaced a smaller votive column erected in 1681 to commemorate the end of a devastating plague outbreak that had claimed a third of the city's population. The monument is carved from white marble and is topped by a gilded statue of the Virgin Mary standing on a crescent moon. Surrounding the base are six saints associated with protection from illness, including St. Sebastian, St. Roch, and St. Francis Xavier. The column is considered one of the finest examples of religious Baroque art in Slovenia, showcasing intricate carvings and a dynamic composition. Each statue reflects a high degree of artistic skill, typical of the workshops that flourished in the Styria region during the 18th century. Over the decades, the column has undergone careful restoration to preserve the delicate marble figures from environmental damage. It remains a central symbol of Maribor's history and a key landmark for visitors exploring the historic old town.
- Location: Slovenia
- Top sights: Maribor Town Hall · artKIT · Galerija M kultura
- Nearby: Miklavž na Dravskem polju (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 42 | 55 | 55 | 63 | 97 | 99 | 101 | 102 | 110 | 80 | 75 | 56 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The monument was completed in 1743 by Joseph Straub.
- It replaced a 1681 column built by grateful survivors of the Great Plague.
- The statue features six interceding saints at the base of the pillar.
- The Virgin Mary statue is gilded with gold leaf.
- It is located in the Main Square, the historical heart of Maribor.
- The column underwent a major professional restoration in the early 2000s.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Plague Column in Maribor (10)
Cerkev sv. Alojzija
Church building in the City Municipality of Maribor, dedicated to Saint Aloysius.
Galerija Hest
Private gallery in Maribor focusing on Slovenian art.
Slomškov trg🌳 park
Square in Maribor, named after Bishop Anton Martin Slomšek.
Old Vine
Oldest grapevine in the world, 400 years old, growing on a house facade.
Maribor Synagogue🏛 museum
Former synagogue, now a museum of Jewish history in Maribor.
Slovensko narodno gledališče Maribor
Theatre in Maribor, northeastern Slovenia, with opera, ballet, and drama.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Plague Column in Maribor stand?
Why was the column erected?
Who created the current column?
Which saints are depicted?
Is the viewing free of charge?
Plague Column in Maribor: where is it located?
Plague Column in Maribor: what is there to see?
Plague Column in Maribor: when is the best time to visit?
Plague Column in Maribor: why is it worth visiting?























