The Judgment Tower is one of the most visited medieval landmarks in Maribor. It is located in the center of the city, on the banks of the Drava River. It got its name from all the judgments that were passed in it, but it is also related to judgments related to beliefs in witches and rituals. Why is it associated with witches? In the tower, women who practiced so-called witchcraft in the past centuries were tried, and they were judged here for such acts. No death sentences were passed in the tower.
The first tower was built at the beginning of the 14th century, more precisely in 1310, and it protected the southwestern part of the city walls. It underwent total renovation in the 1540s. However, although it got a new roof in that renovation, it burned down during the 17th century. The tower was built in Renaissance style up to the second floor. Additional two floors were built in the 19th century.
Considering that Maribor was destroyed by fire during the previous centuries, the tower was not spared either. The courthouse suffered a fire in 1937, but was rebuilt again in the 1950s. This is one of the towers that defied time and remained preserved, as well as the Jewish Tower and the Water Tower. After the Second World War, it may have been modified for the last time, and that is exactly how it has remained to this day.
Today, the famous Lent festival is held here, but concerts, receptions, seminars, exhibitions, etc. The area is 132.6 m2. The hall has a total of 150 seats. It is possible to rent this space for a private event. The tower is part of the beautiful side of old Maribor.
Autor of the article:
Bojana Pantić - correspondent for the city of Maribor
