Cologne, Germany
974 AD
Cologne, Germany
c. 1172
Cologne, Germany
1210-1220
Cologne, Germany
12th century
Cologne, Germany
1040-1065
Cologne, Germany
12th century
Cologne, Germany
1130-1160
Cologne, Germany
1151-1227
Cologne, Germany
1247
Cologne, Germany
11th century
Cologne, Germany
10th century
Cologne, Germany
966 AD
Celje Castle was once the largest fortification on Slovenian territory. The first fortified building on the site (a Romanesque palace) was built in the first half of the 13th century by the Counts of Heunburg from Carinthia on the stony outcrop on the western side of the ridge where the castle stands. It had five sides, or four plus the southern side, which was a natural defence. The first written records of the castle date back to between 1125 and 1137; it was probably built by Count Gunter. In the western section of the castle, there was a building with several floors. Remains of the walls of this palatium have survived. In the eastern section, there was an enclosed courtyard with large water reservoirs. The eastern wall, which protects the castle from its most exposed side, was around three metres thicker than the rest of the curtain wall. The wall was topped with a parapet and protected walkway.