Trg
svobode (Liberty Square)
extends east of the Castle. At one time the Castle (and its ramparts) was surrounded by a large, protective ditch. The ditch was later drained and levelled, and Liberty Square was built on it. In 1883, Emperor Franz Josef was here received with honours. In 1919, General Rudolf Maister, who had secured Maribor's allegience to Slovenia, and not to Austria, reviewed his troops in Trg svobode. Today, Trg svobode is used for outdoor meetings, cultural events, and memorials. Near the Castle is the imposing Monument of Liberation [16], created by the sculptor Slavko Tihec. This work was erected in 1975. Of special interest are the facial images of partisan heroes that seem to come to life when viewed at certain angles. Its bronze base bears an engraved announcement of the shooting of the hostages and partisans by the German occupation forces during World War II, as well as the farewell letter of Joze Fluks, who was condemned to death.
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