Celje Castle

Celje Castle (Celjski grad) is a ruined castle on three hills south-east of the town of Celje in Slovenia, where the Savinja River enters the Laško valley. It was once the largest fortification on Slovenian territory, covering almost 5,500 m². The first fortified building, a Romanesque palace, was erected in the early 13th century by the Carinthian Counts of Heunburg.

In 1333 the castle passed to the Lords of Sanneck, who became Counts of Celje (Cilli) in 1341. Around 1400 the four-storey Frederick's Tower (Friderikov stolp) was added; according to Lonely Planet it is 23 m high and the most prominent restored feature, while the interior has little to see because stone was removed over the centuries. In the 18th century roofs were removed, the last residents left in 1795, and restoration has been under way since 1882 and continues today. There is a dedicated car park in front of the entrance; on foot, a path leads up from Cesta na Grad (about half an hour according to Lonely Planet). In late summer, medieval-themed performances and concerts take place (Pod zvezdami Celjanov); check dates and access in advance.