Cathedral with a panoramic tower

On one side Pohorje, on the other the Maribor hills, and in between a charming city – this is the spectacular view from the watchtower in the bell tower of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Alongside the panoramic view, visitors can also step back in time and discover how life once was when watchmen and watchwomen lived in the tower.

After climbing 162 steps, right in the center of Maribor, a stunning view opens up over the city and its surroundings – Pohorje, Piramida, and Calvary Hill – from a height of about 35 meters. Throughout history, the bell tower had two main functions: originally it was simply the cathedral’s bell tower, but as the highest point in the city, it also served as a lookout for fire prevention. At the end of the 18th century, the tower was renovated and lowered by 30 meters. A viewing platform and a small apartment for the fire watch were added. With technological progress, the position of watchman and watchwoman was abolished in 1933. The last to hold the post was Antonia Weiss, who lived there for nine years with her daughter. Today, the tower houses four bells. During the European Capital of Culture year, together with the Maribor Regional Museum, a small museum was arranged, showcasing the life of a fire watchman.

Most of the items on display date back to the 19th century, though they were not originally placed in the tower apartment. The only authentic piece is the mechanism that once powered the tower clock, which had to be wound manually to keep it running.

And when you visit the tower, don’t miss the small bell on the viewing platform – legend has it that it fulfills even the most secret wishes.