Today, as the undisputed record-holder among vines, it enjoys the care of vinedressers, the well-deserved public attention and a charming atmosphere.
Miracle on the Drava
The world’s oldest grapevine has defied the adversities for almost five centuries. Planted during the Ottoman invasions, it narrowly escaped the fires in the city, and survived the devastating grape phylloxera plague and the damming of the Drava, which raised the water level.
Planted during the Ottoman invasions
Planted during the Ottoman invasions
In the second half of the 16th century, the vine was planted in front of a house on the left bank of the Drava, which was part of the city walls. They chose a hardy indigenous variety of Žametovka (Bleu de Cologne), also known as Modra Kavčina or Velvety Black. At that time, Maribor was under the siege of the Ottoman army, and fierce battles were fought right next to the vine.
Resistant to fires in the Middle Ages
Resistant to fires in the Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, the roofs of houses were made of wooden frames covered with straw, which often led to devastating fires. The house next to the Oldest Grapevine was partially burnt down several times, but the vine always withstood the raging flames and survived.
Phylloxera ravages Europe
Around 1870, the grape phylloxera destroyed European vineyards, but the oldest grapevine survived. Its roots reach deep under river gravel, where the destructive pest could not survive.
World War II bombing
World War II bombing
During the Second World War, Maribor was hit by 29 bombing raids, with more than 15,000 bombs destroying or damaging half of the buildings in the city, including the house next to the vine. Despite the devastation, the oldest grapevine survived another dark period in history.
Nearly disastrous dam on the Drava
Nearly disastrous dam on the Drava
After all these apocalyptic ordeals, the vine was almost killed by a dam built on the Drava in 1963. A three-meter rise in the river level disturbed the balance of the vine’s root system and the vine began to wither. In the 1980s, a team of experts prevented its removal and the demolition of the dilapidated house, preserving this remarkable symbol of resilience.
The story of the Oldest Grapevine is a testament to resilience, perseverance and the will to live.
The story of the Oldest Grapevine is a testament to resilience, perseverance and the will to live.
In 2004, it was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest vine in the world. After centuries of wars, fires and other hardships, its toughest times are finally behind it. Today, it is carefully tended by the city’s vinedresser and its grafts travel the world as a gift of protocol. Growing next to the city’s most beautiful promenade, the Oldest Grapevine has become a symbol of resilience and integration – a meeting place for people, culture and wine.
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How to get to the Oldest Grapevine?
The oldest grapevine has been growing for more than 450 years in the old part of Slovenia’s second largest city, Maribor. It is located on the bank of the River Drava, on the picturesque Lent, which is bustling with cafes, restaurants, markets and cultural institutions. This popular promenade is also the venue for many events and festivals.
The Oldest Grapevine can be found at Vojašniška Ulica 8, just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s central square. It can be reached on foot, by bike or by car, and parking is also available nearby.
BY CAR
There are several parking garages within a 5–10 minute walk, the closest being Garažna hiša Lent, and public car parks such as Parking Lent. The traffic warden service issues fines for parking violations.
There are several parking garages within a 5–10 minute walk, the closest being Garažna hiša Lent, and public car parks such as Parking Lent. The traffic warden service issues fines for parking violations.
BY BUS
The city’s public transport system is well developed and the city center is connected with the line G5. Get off at Glavni Trg – Rotovž or Strossmayerjeva – Tržnica. You can buy a ticket on the bus or at ticket sales points.
Buy ticket
The city’s public transport system is well developed and the city center is connected with the line G5. Get off at Glavni Trg – Rotovž or Strossmayerjeva – Tržnica. You can buy a ticket on the bus or at ticket sales points.
Buy ticket
BY BIKE
There are two Mbajk city bike stations close to the Oldest Grapevine: SODNI STOLP, Pristan 6 and VODNI STOLP, Usnjarska Ulica 5. Easy registration and conveniently located stations around the city.
Easy registration
Map of MBAJK stations
There are two Mbajk city bike stations close to the Oldest Grapevine: SODNI STOLP, Pristan 6 and VODNI STOLP, Usnjarska Ulica 5. Easy registration and conveniently located stations around the city.
Easy registration
Map of MBAJK stations
BY MAISTER
In the old town you can hop on the eco-friendly electric vehicle Maister. You can flag it down on the street or order a ride within the city center. The ride is free and will take you all the way to the front door of the Oldest Grapevine..
Contact: +386 30 700 035
In the old town you can hop on the eco-friendly electric vehicle Maister. You can flag it down on the street or order a ride within the city center. The ride is free and will take you all the way to the front door of the Oldest Grapevine..
Contact: +386 30 700 035
WITH AN RV
There are several car parks for RVs, both in the center of Maribor and on the outskirts. The bus and train stations, which offer RV parking and services, are only a 20-minute walk from the Oldest Grapevine and are well served by public transport.
Parking Map
There are several car parks for RVs, both in the center of Maribor and on the outskirts. The bus and train stations, which offer RV parking and services, are only a 20-minute walk from the Oldest Grapevine and are well served by public transport.
Parking Map
Opening hours
Monday–Saturday: 10:00–18:00
Sunday and public holidays: 10:00–16:00
Location
Vojašniška ulica 8
2000 Maribor
