Markovci
The Municipality of Markovci is located in northeastern Slovenia, on the fertile Ptuj Plain along the Drava River. It is characterised by well-kept rural villages, rich cultural heritage, and a strong sense of community, offering visitors an authentic connection with nature and tradition.
Although the settlement of Markovci was first mentioned in written records in 1215, archaeological discoveries of a Roman aqueduct, tools, and military graves testify to a much earlier settlement of the area. In the past, the territory was part of the Dornava manor, while church records also mention the former Pabstein Castle. In 1477, due to changes in the course of the Drava River, a stone column with a statue of Saint Mark was erected, which still symbolises the town today.
The greatest treasure of Markovci is its people – hardworking, creative, and deeply connected to tradition. The municipality is well known for its vibrant cultural life, folklore events, and preservation of heritage, with the carnival tradition and the korant figure standing out as its most recognisable symbol.
The municipality is proud to have received the Swiss Tourism Awards prize in Lugano, as well as the Silver Award of the Slovenian Tourist Board, confirming its excellent organisation and tourism recognition.
Today, Markovci offers a pleasant rural environment and numerous opportunities for active leisure activities along the Drava River and in the embrace of nature.
Cultural
heritage
Church of St. Mark
The Church of St. Mark is the central sacred building in the municipality and an important part of the local identity. With its architecture and historical role, it represents the spiritual centre of the area and an important piece of cultural heritage.
The church is closely connected with the development of the settlement and the life of its inhabitants through the centuries.
Korant (Kurent)
The korant is one of the most recognisable Slovenian carnival figures and an important symbol of the Markovci area. Its costume, made of sheepskin, with bells around the waist and a distinctive headpiece decorated with feathers, creates a powerful and unmistakable appearance.
According to folk tradition, the korant drives away winter and brings spring and a good harvest through its jumping and bell-ringing. The door-to-door rounds of the kurenti — locally known in Markovci as koranti — are inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The first written records of koranti date back to 1870 and are also preserved in the Church of St. Mark, confirming the long tradition of this unique custom.
Ethnological Collection in the Loft of the Municipal Building
The loft of the municipal building houses an ethnological collection presenting the rich cultural and everyday life of the area through time. The collection includes objects, tools, and documents that illustrate traditional crafts, farm work, and the lives of local residents.
Special attention is also given to carnival figures, which represent an important part of the local identity and rich fašenk carnival tradition. Visits can be arranged through the Markovci Tourist Association.
Traditional Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
A traditional horse-drawn carriage ride preserves an old form of transport and rural way of life. This experience brings visitors closer to nature and tradition, offering an authentic glimpse into the past, when horses were an important part of everyday life on farms.
Traditional Fishing and Grass Mowing
Demonstrations of traditional fishing and grass mowing bring old customs and local knowledge back to life. They present former ways of working that were closely connected with nature and seasonal tasks, and form an important part of the area’s cultural heritage.
Fašenk (Carnival Season)
Fašenk in Markovci is one of the most recognisable local cultural events, preserving old customs and successfully bringing them into modern times. It is characterised by numerous traditional carnival figures, most notably the korant, as well as a rich and diverse programme that includes carnival parades, group performances, music, and social events.
The event connects different generations of local residents, strengthens the sense of community, and at the same time attracts many visitors from near and far who wish to experience the authentic carnival tradition of this area.
Natural
heritage
Ptuj Lake
Ptuj Lake is the largest artificial lake in Slovenia, with two-thirds of its surface stretching across the Municipality of Markovci. It represents an important water and nature conservation area as well as a key point along the Drava River.
The lake is of exceptional importance for migratory birds and other wildlife species, while at the same time offering opportunities for recreation, nature observation, and experiencing the peaceful riverside environment.
Šturmovec Landscape Park
Šturmovec Landscape Park lies along the Drava River and is one of the most important natural areas in the municipality. It is characterised by floodplain forests, wetlands, and rich biodiversity.
The park is a popular spot for walks, cycling, and birdwatching, as well as an important area for the conservation of natural habitats within the river ecosystem.