Discover the rich history of Celje, Slovenia and indulge in the flavors of the Middle Ages with modern culinary creations. Join us on a journey through the Old Castle of Celje and taste the unique cuisine of the Counts of Celje.
Celje is a city located in the traditional Slovenian region of Styria and is the administrative seat of the City Municipality of Celje. It is the fourth-largest city in Slovenia, and its history dates back to the Roman period. The name Celje is of pre-Roman origin, and its further etymology is unclear.
The Old Castle of Celje is the largest medieval castle in Slovenia and was the home of the most influential Slovenian ruling dynasty of all time, the Counts of Celje. The castle walls and entrance give the impression that you are entering the center of the saga of the Counts of Celje. You can learn about their history at the Tourist Information Center, or be guided through it by knowledgeable guides from Celje.
Did you know that Barbara of Celje was the daughter of Herman II. Celjsko, the highest crowned head in Slovenian history? Have you heard about the fateful love story between Frederick II. and Veronika Deseniško, which is considered one of the most passionate and tragic in Slovenian history? You can visit the Friderik Tower and the Veronika Cafe, where you can immortalize the experience with photos and buy a souvenir.
The Old Castle of Celje gates are open every day of the year, and we recommend a joint ticket to visit the Provincial Museum of Celje or the Museum of Recent History in the old town.
The Old Castle of Celje is not the only attraction worth visiting in the city. The Celje Regional Museum, housed in the old town center, offers a glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage, including exhibits on archaeology, ethnology, art, and the Counts of Celje. The city also hosts a number of cultural events throughout the year, including the Days of Poetry and Wine festival and the Celje International Biennial of Contemporary Art.
In Celje, you can also indulge in the flavors of the Middle Ages with modern culinary creations. The noble and ruling family of the Counts of Celje left their indelible mark in Celje, as well as on the entire European soil. Renowned Celje chefs set out to discover the flavors with which the most important dynasty from the wider geographical area impressed even the demanding European high nobility.
You can taste the fresh local ingredients, delicacies from the home garden, and endlessly different combinations of tastes and smells, served on plates made of indigenous types of wood. For a complete experience, the chefs will serve your food with unique wooden cutlery. The culinary experience in Celje is truly unique, and we invite you to explore the city's fascinating history and taste its unique cuisine.
If you're looking for outdoor activities, the Celje area is surrounded by beautiful nature, including the Celje Hills, the Savinja Alps, and the Pohorje Mountains. You can hike, bike, or ski in the nearby mountains, or take a relaxing walk along the banks of the Savinja River.
To get to Celje, you can take a train or bus from Ljubljana, which is only about an hour's drive away. If you're driving, the city is easily accessible from the A1 motorway, which connects Ljubljana with Maribor and Graz.
In summary, Celje is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the medieval Old Castle to the modern culinary creations, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this charming Slovenian town.