Water Tower, Maribor, Renaissance fortified tower near Drava River in Maribor, Slovenia.
The Water Tower in Maribor is a Renaissance structure built from massive stone blocks with a pentagonal shape and loopholes for defense, standing on the riverbank beside Usnjarska ulica. The ground floor holds a specialized wine shop, while above sits a historical banquet hall with one of Slovenia's oldest wine cellars beneath it.
Italian master builders constructed the defensive fortification in 1555 to shield Maribor from Turkish invasions, replacing an older structure called the Gunpowder Tower on the same site. The entire structure was later moved in the 1960s to protect it from rising water levels.
The tower takes its name from its riverside location, and today people use it to taste regional wines and experience Slovenia's wine heritage. The space naturally connects the past protective role with modern appreciation of local products.
The tower is normally open to visitors during the week with regular opening hours, and the ground floor wine section is easily accessible without climbing. Before you visit, it is worth checking current availability to make sure the space is open, especially if you are planning your trip in advance.
The structure was raised by more than 2 meters between 1967 and 1968, an engineering feat where hydraulic jacks lifted the entire 1500-ton tower while keeping its location intact and functional. This engineering achievement made it possible to preserve the monument from flooding caused by the nearby Melje dam construction.
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