Celje

There are remainders throughout the town of Celje’s rich and turbulent history. Initially Celje was a Celtic settlement, renowned for it minting of Noricum coins. During the emperor Claudius’ reign it became a central Roman market and developed, as Celea, into an important economic and military hub.

In 1436 the first Count of Celje was appointed and with the help of the Greman emperor Sigismund of Luxembur the Count of Celje and his immediate descendants fought ever more belligerently against the Habsburgs to establish their political supremacy throughout central Europe. The rule of the Counts, however, was shor-lived at twenty years later, in 1456, Count Ulrich II was killed in Belgrade by his Hungarian political opponents, leaving the town under Habsburg control. Celje prospered despite a number of natural disaster and hostile incursions by the Turks and developed into one of the most important towns in Štajerska region. The advent of the railway in 1848 propelled the town towards industrialization and Celje became a centre of economic activity, culture, tourism and sports.

Visitors to Celje have plenty of things to do. Attraction include County Museum (renowed for its famous ceiling), the Museum of Modern History, the Children’s Museum, the Old Castle, Stari Pisker, and number of churches.

Celje is proud of its sporting achievements. Many athletes participated in the Olympic Games, there is a tradition going back more than half a century in football and handball, not to mention swimming, basketball and volleyball. No doubt, in Celje people are fond of sports.