Dominican Monastery at Ptuj

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Dominikanski samostan

Muzejski trg 1, SI-2250 Ptuj

http://www.pok-muzej-ptuj.si

muzej-ptuj.uprava@siol.net

Phone386 (0) 2 784 0350

ProprietorPtuj Regional Museum

In 1230, after obtaining the approval of the Archbishop of Salzburg, Mehtildis, widow of Friedrich III of Ptuj, donated land on the western edge of Ptuj to the Dominican Order. The first construction period got underway following the arrival of monks from Friesach (Carinthia), who built a two-storey monastery with cloisters in the south and more prominent east wings. However, in 1302 the monastery burnt down and its renovation lasted until the mid 14th century. During this period the west part of the cloister was built and its east wall painted. Reconstruction and renovation works went on into the 15th and 16th centuries. During the 17th century various Baroque modifications were made, and in the early 18th century the east part of the church façade, facing the town, was covered with rich stucco work and adorned with statues. The monastery refectory was equally influenced with Baroque elements, and its vault was covered with stucco works and paintings.

The principal activities of the Dominicans in Ptuj were preaching, pastoral care, economic operations and education. They also had a rich library and archive. The monks inhabited the monastery until 1785 when it was dissolved under the reforms of Joseph II. Later, it was occupied by soldiers and craftsmen. In 1926 the monastery was bought by the municipality and renovated for use as a municipal museum and also for housing purposes. The renovation works discovered, both historically and artistically, the most interesting parts of the monastery.

The newly-arranged collections of the Ptuj Regional Museum were opened to the public here in 1928, followed in 1955 by the Historical Archives of Ptuj.

See also

• Historical Archives of Ptuj
• Ptuj Regional Museum