Videm: Church, Traditions and Landscape

Videm pri Ptuju is a compact settlement on the southern edge of the Dravsko polje, situated on both banks of the Dravinja. This is where the Haloze hills come closest to the channels of the Drava. The town’s history, regional customs and paths through the landscape give the destination several distinct facets. If you’re looking for hotels in Videm, these themes can help you match your interests to your stay.

The church and the town’s history

Videm pri Ptuju takes its present name from the parish church of Sv. Vida. The church was built as early as the Romanesque period and was first mentioned in 1320. It was completed in its present form in 1445. These dates mark different milestones: 1320 is the first mention, while 1445 is the completion of the church in its present form.

Beside the Minorite monastery of Sv. Vida lies Frančiškov Park. It has three chapels, benches for resting and a fire pit. The park is used for camping, picnics and recreational activities. The monastery also holds spiritual retreats.

Customs and cultural experiences

The Klopotec Dravci-Soviče Cultural and Tourism Association makes presmece in various sizes. These are brought to the parish church of Sv. Vida for blessing as part of a local Easter custom. The association also preserves the distinctive archaic folk singing of the Haloze. After the grape harvest, it holds a must blessing and a Martinovanje celebration featuring a humorous baptism of the must.

Another glimpse of local customs is “Fašenk na Vidmu”: the ethnographic carnival procession passes through the centre of Videm pri Ptuju. It adds a parade through the town to the religious traditions and those associated with the grape harvest.

Paths and nature around Videm

The Videmska planinska pot passes through Videm pri Ptuju and is classified as an easy mountain hiking trail. The Pot med vinogradi also starts in Videm; its first checkpoint is in front of the municipal building. The two trails therefore differ in how they relate to the town: one passes through it, while the other begins there. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

The Videmska planinska pot includes checkpoint KT-2 at the Pal inn, “Pri treh lipah,” house number 48. The logbook and stamp are available there. As with any trail planning, it is advisable to check current conditions before setting off.

Near Videm, a three-kilometre nature trail runs through Šturmovci Landscape Park. More than 230 bird species can be observed in the park. The nature trail and birdwatching are two specific reasons to include the nearby landscape in your travel plans.

Boating and wine

The Dravaspust descent passes through the protected Šturmovci Landscape Park. The route is designed to start in Videm and end in Zavrč; the Dravinja and Drava rivers make boating possible there. The full descent takes four to six hours. It must be arranged in advance and depends on suitable water conditions. Set aside a dedicated time slot and confirm the conditions beforehand.

A tourism listing from 2015 placed Vidova klet in the centre of Videm, behind the parish church of Sv. Vida. It mentioned guided wine tastings and more than 25 different quality and premium wines from 15 winemakers from the Haloze. If you’re considering a visit, check current access and tasting arrangements, as well as the wine selection, in advance.

For the overall travel overview: Videm.