Celje Castle in Slovenia is known by the name Celjski grad or Old Town. It is a castle named after the place of the same name. Today, this is a ruin that was once the center of the Counts of Celje. The castle was mentioned for the first time in 1322, more precisely in the 14th century, and then it was called Purple Cilie. The first building on the site of today's castle was built by the Counts of Heunburg in the 13th century. At that time, the castle had five stone sides, that is, five fortifications that served as defensive sides.
It is assumed that the castle was built by a count named Gunter, and in those ancient times the castle had water tanks, as well as a promenade for the counts and countesses, which was protected by high walls. This castle covers an area of 5500m2, which can be seen from today's ruins. It is one of the most important castles in the entire Eastern Alps. Other castles in Slovenia were built on the model of this castle. Numerous dynasties and numerous kings, counts took turns and each of them in some way added something to the castle, built or demolished it, so through the centuries this castle changed its appearance. The last inhabitants of the castle lived here in 1795, after which it was completely abandoned and remained as such until today.
Every year, at the end of summer, this castle hosts the event "Under the Celjanov Stars", where various historical plays are performed, showing in the best way not only the history of this castle, but also the history of the whole of Slovenia. Apart from performances, concerts are often held here. It is very visited during the events in it. Another event that has been held since 1996 is Veronica's Evening, when the organizer awards the Veronica Prize for poetry.
Autor of the article:
Bojana Pantić - correspondent for the city of Maribor
