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Old Castle above Celje
The Old Castle above Celje stands on Grajski hrib at an elevation of 407 metres. The hill rises above the left bank of the Savinja River and above the old town centre of Celje. Its position provides an overview of the Savinja Valley, the town, and the traffic routes that in the Middle Ages connected Styria with central Slovenia and the Pannonian Plain. Due to its visibility and natural defensive advantages, the hill was suitable for the construction of a fortification.
The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 12th century, when a basic defensive structure was built on the hill. In the 13th century, the castle came into the possession of the noble family of the Counts of Heunburg. After their extinction, the castle passed to the Lords of Žovnek, who in the 14th century became known as the Counts of Celje.
During the period of the Counts of Celje, the castle underwent its greatest expansion. New defensive towers were built, the walls were extended, and courtyards and residential quarters were arranged. The castle became the main residence of the family and an important administrative and military centre.
After the extinction of the Counts of Celje in 1456, the castle came under Habsburg ownership. They administered it through provincial governors and caretakers. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the castle served as a military outpost and administrative centre. Due to the Ottoman threat, additional fortifications adapted to the use of firearms were constructed.
From the 17th century onwards, the castle changed owners several times. Notable owners included:
• the Moscon family (17th century),
• the Gaisruck family (18th century),
• the Windischgrätz family (19th century).
During this period, the castle was no longer a primary residence. It was used as an economic building, a storage facility, or as a symbolic part of the estate.
In 1400, the Counts of Celje moved to the Princely Palace in the town, which marked the beginning of the decline of the castle’s residential function. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the castle lost its strategic importance. In the 18th century, it was completely abandoned.
After abandonment, parts of the castle began to deteriorate. Some sections were demolished for building material. By the 19th century, the castle had become a ruin.
In the 19th century, the castle became interesting as a viewpoint and historical relic. In the second half of the 19th century, the first efforts to preserve the ruins appeared. In the 20th century, the castle passed into public ownership and became the subject of conservation work.
After the Second World War, occasional restoration works were carried out, strengthening the walls, arranging access paths, and enabling safe visitation. In recent decades, additional conservation works have been carried out, stabilising key parts of the complex.
The Old Castle above Celje is a cultural monument of national importance.
Today it serves as:
• a tourist attraction,
• a viewpoint above the town,
• a venue for cultural events,
• a symbol of Celje’s historical identity.
Despite its ruined state, its structure is sufficiently preserved to allow an understanding of its original layout and development.