Maribor, also known by its German name Marburg an der Drau, is the second-largest city in Slovenia and the largest city in the traditional region of Lower Styria located on the banks of the Drava River. Maribor was first mentioned as a castle in 1164, as a settlement in 1209, and in 1254 as a city. Like most Slovene ethnic territory, Maribor was under Habsburg rule until 1918, when Rudolf Maister and his men secured the city.

Many historical structures stand in Maribor. Of the remains of city walls surrounding the old downtown, the most prominent are the Judgement Tower, the Water Tower, and the Jewish Tower. Maribor Cathedral was built in the Gothic style in the 13th century. Maribor Synagogue was built in the 14th century and is the second oldest synagogue in Europe.