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Plague Column in Maribor

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Plague Column in Maribor (Slovenia)

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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.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-1041015192121151050
Rain mm425555639799101102110807556

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Plague Column on the main square is a freely accessible monument in public space. It can be viewed from all sides at any time, no ticket required.
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Typical hours
As an open-air monument, there are no fixed opening hours. The best time to visit is during the day when the square is lively and the details are clearly visible.
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Photography
The column is a popular photo subject, especially from the town hall side. Photography is possible anytime without restrictions, and it is atmospherically lit at night.
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Time needed
Viewing the column takes only a few minutes, about 5 to 10 minutes are enough. Combined with a stroll around the main square, you can easily spend 20 minutes.
Combine with
The column stands on Maribor's main square, surrounded by historic buildings and cafes. From there, Maribor Castle, the cathedral, and the Drava riverbank are within walking distance.
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Getting there
The main square is the center of Maribor, easily reachable on foot from the train station (10 minutes) or from bus lines. Parking garages such as „Europark” or „Glavni trg” are nearby.
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Insider tip
Tip: At night, the column is illuminated and looks particularly impressive. Sit down at one of the surrounding cafes and enjoy the view of the monument with a glass of wine.

Geography

Coordinates
46.55830, 15.64580

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

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Sights in the town Plague Column in Maribor (10)

artKIT

Art gallery in Maribor with rotating exhibitions.

🕒 Tu-Fr 10:00-13:00,17:00-19:00; Sa 10:00-13:00🆓

Galerija M kultura

Gallery for contemporary art and culture in Maribor.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Roman Catholic cathedral in Maribor, Gothic building with a tower.

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?
The column is located on the Main Square (Glavni trg) of Maribor.
Why was the column erected?
It was erected in the 17th century in gratitude for the end of a plague epidemic.
Who created the current column?
The current Baroque marble column is a work by Joseph Straub from 1743.
Which saints are depicted?
Six plague saints, including St. Roch and St. Sebastian, are grouped around the Virgin Mary.
Is the viewing free of charge?
Yes, the monument is in a public space and can be viewed for free at any time.
Plague Column in Maribor: where is it located?
Plague Column in Maribor is located in Slovenia.
Plague Column in Maribor: what is there to see?
Highlights include Maribor Town Hall, artKIT, Galerija M kultura.
Plague Column in Maribor: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Plague Column in Maribor: why is it worth visiting?
The Plague Column in Maribor is a magnificent Baroque monument located in the center of the Main Square (Glavni trg).
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