Sveti Florijan na Ptuju - St Florian in Ptuj
Ptuj, like many medieval towns, was frequently troubled by fire. The close build up of wooden houses kindled a terrible blaze in 1744 which devastated large parts of the town. No wonder the Ptujans developed a great affinity to St Florian, the patron Saint of chimney sweep and firefighters. A large baroque statue of St Florian (dated: 1745) stands near a naff shoe shop in the Mestni Trg (Town Square), formerly known as Florian Square. I personally prefer another, older statue of Flo which stands on the southern platform of the Castle. A simple and gentle figure of a human with soft and friendly features, beautifully sculptured - you can see him smile. Age is unknown but thought to have been restored in 1732 (or 1752). ogenj, m fire voda, f water mesto, n town zrak, m air . Linguist: Oliver Thalmann .