During World War II, the Nazis established concentration camps near Maribor, reflecting their systematic persecution and extermination of specific groups, particularly Jews and political opponents.

One notable camp was the Maribor concentration camp, also referred to as the Maribor Transit Camp or Lager Marburg. This camp, which operated from 1941 to 1944, served primarily as a transit location for Slovene and other ethnic prisoners en route to other Nazi concentration camps across Europe. Conditions within the camp were atrocious, with numerous fatalities resulting from disease, starvation, and executions.

Additionally, there was a subcamp of the notorious Mauthausen concentration camp located near Maribor. This camp, known as Loiblpass, was used for forced labor.

These tragic events and their impact on Maribor and its residents constitute a vital aspect of the city’s World War II history. Many lives were lost, and the legacy of this era continues to resonate in the city and its people.

It’s important to note that while some sites associated with these camps may still exist, they serve as historical reminders of the atrocities committed during World War II. Visitors to these sites are expected to treat them with the reverence and solemnity they warrant