Celje Castle

The castle above Celje is the largest fortification in the country by area, and it belonged to the Counts of Celje, the one dynasty from these lands to rise to European standing before the last of them was murdered in Belgrade in 1456. The complex spreads along a ridge in stages: an outer bailey, walls with towers, and at the top Frederick's Tower, which can be climbed for a view over the Savinja valley. Much of it was consolidated from ruin during the twentieth century.

History

The castle is first named in 1322, as purch Cylie. A Romanesque palace was built here in the first half of the 13th century by the Counts of Heunburg; the Lords of Sanneck took the castle in 1333 and from 1341 were the Counts of Celje, who made it their residence and around 1400 added the four-storey tower later called Frederick's Tower (Wikipedia, Celje Castle).

What to look for

• Frederick's Tower - the main keep, climbed for the valley view.
• The scale - the largest castle complex in Slovenia, spread along the ridge.
• The Counts of Celje - the dynasty whose three stars are now on the national arms.
• The walls and baileys - the successive enclosures worked up the ridge.

When to go

April to October for full opening and the summer event programme; winter hours are shorter. The walk up from town takes about forty minutes and is steep. Clear days give the best view from the tower.

Things to know

Much is consolidated ruin rather than furnished rooms. The walk up is steep and the road parking is limited. Summer events can close parts of the complex.

Nearby

Celje town is below, and Sempeter is west.

Key facts