The Counts of Celje are considered to be the most influential ruling family in Slovenia and they left an important mark on European history. On the other hand, it is a family around which many mysteries, legends and shocking stories circulate, stirring people's imagination. And they inspire a series of experiences that give you an insight into the times of their reign and their most distinctive personalities. You will feel the spirit of the Counts of Celje most powerfully in the Old Castle, which towers over Celje, even though their influence extended well beyond the city on the banks of the Savinja River. So, are you coming with us to follow in the footsteps of the famous Counts?
The roots of the Counts of Celje go back to the time of the free lords of Žovnek, who had their family seat at Žovnek Castle in the Lower Savinja Valley, near Žalec. By 1333, the Lords of Žovnek had acquired an estate inherited from the Counts of Heunburg in the Savinja Valley, with its seat in Celje. They began to gain power in the 14th century, when they received the title of count from Emperor Ludwig of Bavaria and later Charles IV of Luxembourg, and were named after the town of Celje. The Counts of Celje were not only local lords; they became one of the most important noble families in medieval Europe. Their greatest achievements include diplomacy, marriages to royalty and strategic alliances that allowed them to rise among the European elite.
Their reign of more than 300 years was marked by remarkable individuals who even came close to becoming European crowned heads.
Source: Celje Regional Museum
Frederick I of Celje
The first Count of Celje, who acquired many estates and castles by inheritance and thus became the first State Count with a hereditary title.
Herman II of Celje
The grandson of the first Count of Celje, with the skill of a cunning diplomat, expanded the territory and power of the Counts of Celje on the soil of medieval Europe and thus ensured the meteoric political rise of the family.
Herman II of Celje
The grandson of the first Count of Celje, with the skill of a cunning diplomat, expanded the territory and power of the Counts of Celje on the soil of medieval Europe and thus ensured the meteoric political rise of the family.
Frederick II of Celje
One of the most legendary members of the family of the Counts of Celje, primarily known for his unhappy love affair with Veronika of Desenice, Frederick II of Celje was elevated to the rank of Prince of State together with his son Ulrik II. In 1451, he granted Celje a charter of privilege with city rights.
Ulrik II of Celje
The last of the Counts of Celje, whose diplomatic skills made him the guardian of the minor King of Hungary. In doing so, he made many enemies, which led to his tragic end and the end of the family.
Discover more interesting facts about the legendary Counts of Celje
The Counts of Celje today and never again!
An anonymous author of the Chronicle of the Counts of Celje described the funeral rite after the death of Count Ulrich in 1456. According to the chronicle, the armoured man at the head of the funeral procession shouted the above-quoted words three times as a token of mourning and then broke the banner, symbolising the final collapse and end of the family line.
The exhibition on the subject of the Counts of Celje at the Celje Regional Museum is a true jewel for anyone eager to learn more about that powerful family. The exhibition displays a wide array of original artifacts, including 18 skulls of family members, as well as transcripts of documents that reveal the key moments in the social rise of the Celje family. Interactive displays allow visitors to immerse themselves in the time of the Counts of Celje and experience their heritage in their own way. The museum offers public guided tours of the exhibition as well as thematic tours of Medieval Celje and the Old Castle of Celje. The museum organises creative workshops specifically adapted to children.
Did you know that Slovenia has its own Romeo and Juliet? Veronika of Desenice was the second wife of Frederick II (the first wife was Elizabeth of Frankopan), who was disapproved of by Frederick's father, Herman II, and even accused of witchcraft. This was the first recorded witchcraft trial in Slovenia. Although Veronika was found innocent, she was later drowned and Frederick was imprisoned in the castle tower in an attempt to starve him out. According to the legend, Frederick was rescued by his faithful squire, who dug an underground tunnel and brought him food. Frederick is said to have taken the remains of his beloved Veronika to the monastery of Jurklošter near Laško.
One of the most poignant of love stories, this romantic tale of Count Frederick II of Celje and Veronika of Desenice is today an inspiration for artists, creators and adventurers. The most spectacular revival of the legend was the musical "Veronika Deseniška" by Janez Usenik and Leon Firšt, which experienced its most magnificent staging in the authentic ambience of the Celje Castle.
It is at the same time a love story and a political thriller, with the power struggle of Europe's most powerful families at the heart of it; it can even be a horror story, as it is about witchcraft and the first witch trial; or a crime story, as we have been wondering for centuries what really happened to Elizabeth of Frankopan.
Janez Usenik, author of the lyrics of the musical "Veronika Deseniška", for the newspaper Delo (28 June 2024)
The tragic fate of Veronika of Desenice also inspired Slovenian music artist Raiven, who brought Veronika's story to the Eurovision stage in 2024.
I wanted to focus more on how she was wronged than just on her relationship with Frederick. I think that's the only way I can move Veronika to 2024 and let more people get to know her and identify with her.
Raiven on Veronika for MMC RTV Slovenia (31 January 2024)
The love story of Frederick II and Veronika of Desenice has also inspired a virtual experience where you can change the tragic fate of the main character and her beloved and bring the story to a happy ending. How? Visit nearby Laško, more specifically Thermana Laško, and change the course of history with the help of modern technology. During your holidays, you can also use the VR glasses to solve historical puzzles and influence the course of history at the Celje Castle itself.
The extraordinary, but also mysterious stories of the Counts of Celje are the inspiration for the various experiences that await you in Celje and its surroundings. Experience their fates in a modern way.
In the company of Parsifal the knight or Margarete, lady of the court, you can discover the stories and secrets of the Counts of Celje hidden behind the castle walls. The knight will show you his equipment and you will realise how much of a challenge it was to carry such a great weight. But underneath the armour there is also a gentle soul, as the knight will prove with a troubadour's declaration of love. The lady of the court will take you back to the time of the Counts of Celje from a different perspective. She will show you a view of their estates, take you to the castle kitchen and perhaps show you the handkerchief she will give her knight for the jousting tournament.
MoreIn the company of Parsifal the knight or Margarete, lady of the court, you can discover the stories and secrets of the Counts of Celje hidden behind the castle walls. The knight will show you his equipment and you will realise how much of a challenge it was to carry such a great weight. But underneath the armour there is also a gentle soul, as the knight will prove with a troubadour's declaration of love. The lady of the court will take you back to the time of the Counts of Celje from a different perspective. She will show you a view of their estates, take you to the castle kitchen and perhaps show you the handkerchief she will give her knight for the jousting tournament.
MoreAt the Celje Castle, you can relive the life of medieval knights in an authentic way, compete in swordsmanship and even go on a knight's journey yourself through the ritual of becoming a knight. We are sure there are quite a few of you who wished you could be a knight for a day when you were a child, right? And at the Celje Castle, that dream can become a reality...
MoreFeel like a count and treat yourself and your loved ones, friends or business partners to an unforgettable medieval reception. The sounds of fanfare will transport you back centuries, to the glory days of the Counts of Celje. A knight will guide you through the secrets of the largest medieval castle. You will learn castle protocol and how to swing a knight's sword. Bow to Her Majesty Barbara of Celje and experience the flavours of a Count's feast while enjoying the view.
MoreInterested in what the Celje Castle and the city of Celje itself looked like in the Middle Ages? Take a look through the VR telescope and you will soon be surrounded by knights. You can take a virtual tour of Celje as it once was. Or you can use the telescope to discover other Celje sights.
MoreAt the top of the four-storey tower with its jagged crown, you can step back in time and imagine the Middle Ages. The most famous lovers of Celje, Frederick II and his Veronika, play a starring role as animated characters who welcome you to the world of Augmented Reality (AR). You can even have your photo taken with the manly Count and the sensual beauty described by legends.
MoreEvery year, in addition to authentic experiences that take you back to the time of the Counts of Celje, the Celje Castle hosts exceptional medieval spectacles that bring history to life before your eyes and immerse you in it. Events such as Living History, Medieval Day and Winter Medieval Day combine the sound of weapons, the aroma of medieval food and the sounds of ancient music.
In 2024, they have gone one step further and created a unique interactive performance, Celjski vsi (All Counts of Celje), by playwright Nuša Komplet Peperko, which includes all the important characters from the history of the family of the Counts of Celje and allows visitors to become part of the performance.
The city in the Savinja Valley may be best known for the Counts of Celje, but as you wander its streets, you will quickly realise that it has many more remarkable stories to tell. The ancient Romans, who called the town Celeia, lived here in bygone days. The world traveller and travel writer Alma M. Karlin lived here. Modern Celje has many other attractions, such as the Technopark.
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