The gateway and walls of Slovenia’s largest medieval castle already hint that you are entering the saga’s center of the Counts of Celje. Did you know Barbara of Celje, daughter of Herman II of Celje, was the highest‑crowned head in Slovenian history? Have you heard of the fateful love story between Frederick II and Veronika of Desenice, regarded as one of the most passionate and tragic in Slovenian history?As a fortress atop a hill, Slovenia’s largest medieval castle oversees, from afar, all routes to the center of Celje. The first foundations of Celje Castle date to the latter half of the 12th century. Celje Castle is best known as the home of the Counts of Celje, Slovenia’s most influential ruling dynasty. Thrilling legends, exhibitions, and interactive experiences preserve memories of the past. During the warmer months, Living History programs run with cultural‑historical societies from across Slovenia. Although the footsteps and spurs of Celje’s great nobles no longer echo through the castle, their revival comes at the hands of admirers and reenactors from cultural‑historical societies, who proudly welcome visitors as knights and court ladies. Living history, concerts, and weddings in the castle courtyard invite everyone who wishes to immerse themselves in medieval history and feel like true nobles for a moment.
