MITHRAIC SHRINES

The cult of Mithras was never a religion recognized by Rome. Therefore, these sacred places were outside the city. From the middle of the 3rd century, some temples crossed the boundaries of Ptuj. Sanctuaries I and II can be seen respectively at Spodnja Hajdina, about 4 km west of the town, and at Zgornji Breg. Contact the Regional Museum for a visit or ask for the key from your neighbour.

Mithra I. Spodnja Hajdina. To get there, take the direction of Maribor. On leaving Ptuj, turn left before the intersection of the roads leading to Ljubljana and Maribor. After 300 m, turn left at the sign. Park below and follow a small path between fir trees and corn crops. To obtain the key, you have to go to n° 40 (family Župančič). Built in the middle of the 2nd century A.D. by officials of the customs administration which had its seat in Ptuj. This set, discovered in 1898-1899, was covered in 1910.

Mithra II. Zgornji Breg. Beforehand take the direction of Maribor. At the sign indicating the sanctuary, turn right. The key's in number three. This sanctuary was founded in the second half of the 3rd century AD by soldiers of the 13th Germina and Macedonia legions, who settled in Ptuj. The site was revealed in 1913. The temple was built a year later to protect it.

The sites are remarkably well preserved and clearly worth the trip if you are staying in the Ptuj area.