The plague, more commonly known as the Black Death, had a profound impact on Maribor during the Middle Ages, as was the case in many parts of Europe. Here are more details on its occurrence and impact:

  • Occurrences of the Plague: Maribor was not spared the devastating effects of the plague. The city was stricken by the plague several times during the Middle Ages, with notable outbreaks occurring in the 14th and 17th centuries.
  • Plague Columns: In response to the plague, as in many other European cities, a plague column was erected in Maribor’s main square. Known as the Plague Column or Holy Trinity Column, this monument was established following the 1680 plague epidemic and is considered one of Slovenia’s most important Baroque monuments.
  • Population Impact: The plague brought about significant demographic changes in Maribor and the surrounding region. Many people succumbed to the disease, causing severe disruption to the city’s social and economic structures. The exact number of deaths is not known, but it is evident that the plague had a considerable impact on Maribor’s population.
  • Social and Economic Impact: The plague also brought significant social and economic impacts to Maribor. The city’s economy was severely disrupted due to the loss of manpower, and the social structure of the city underwent changes due to the high death rate. The city had to continuously recover and rebuild after each outbreak.

Plague had a profound and lasting impact on Maribor, as was the case with much of Europe during the Middle Ages.