Ptuj, Dominican Monastery Stock Image

In 1230, after obtaining the approval of the Archbishop of Salzburg the widow of Friedrich III of Ptuj, Mehtildis, 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.