Celje lies on the Savinja at the meeting point of the routes through the Celje basin. Beneath today's streets the remains of Roman Celeia are preserved, one of the more important towns of the province of Noricum. The Celeia archaeological display – the town beneath the town in the Princes' Court includes a paved Roman road, the walls of town villas and other finds, preserved at the place of discovery. The medieval history of the town was most strongly marked by the family of the counts and princes of Celje. Their Princes' Court stands in the town centre and holds a museum exhibition about the rise and fall of the family. The three golden stars from their coat of arms became part of the Slovenian state coat of arms. Connected with the family are the figures of Herman II, Barbara of Celje, Ulrich II and Veronika of Desenice. On the hill above the Savinja stands the Old Castle of Celje, the former seat of the Counts of Celje. The extensive castle complex consists of the walls, defensive towers, Frederick's tower and the palace, while from the viewpoints the town, the Savinja and a large part of the basin can be seen. Today the castle hosts historical presentations, exhibitions and events. The old town centre links Glavni trg, Krekov trg, the National Hall, the Celje Hall and sacral monuments. The Regional the museum Besides Roman and medieval collections, Celje holds the famous Celje Ceiling in the Old Counts' Mansion. A special permanent exhibition is devoted to the Celje native Alma M. Karlin, writer, polyglot and world traveller. Along the Savinja stretch the Town Park and the town forest with a tree house, while north of the town lies Lake Šmartinsko. Celje is also connected with the nearby hop-growing area of the Lower Savinja valley, with the spa Laško and Kozjansko. Browse accommodation in Celje, choose restaurants in the town centre and discover activities at Stari grad, by the Savinja and at Lake Šmartinsko.
