Velenje - Velenje Castle

Velenje castle is one of the most preserved castles in Slovenia. It lies in the steep rock under the city of Velenje. It is first mentioned in 1270. Velenje castle is one of the tenth Slovenian castles who existed in the Middle Age in Saleska valley. The castle is a tipical military and residental stronghold. After the centuries they built it and changed it several times. First owners were Kunsper gentlemen followed by their relatives Ptuj gentlemen and the family Liechtenstein. Family Wagen von Wagensberg entirely renovated the construction in the 16th century. The fortress was transformed in a Renaissance residence. The castle was attacked by Turks in the 17th century, but they didn't have any success, because it was good secured and strengthened. The most important owners in the 19th century were Karl and Bianca Adamovich. The last owner of the Velenje castle was count Coronnini-Kromberg until 1943 when Germans drove him out of Velenje after the Italian capitulation. After the Second World War the castle became part of general social property. Apartments were made, a lot of furniture were demolished and the building was falling into ruins. In 1957 Velenje coalmine founded a Museum of Slovene Coalmines in the castle.

That was later renamed to Velenje Museum. They transported the coalmine collection to abandoned shaft of Coalmine Velenje and so we got the Coal mining museum of Slovenia. Gradually first collections were organized and at the same time an intensive renovation of the Velenje castle was done. The building consist of the core with arched tower and with the arcades surrounded yard. There is also the wedding hall. In the castle yard are organized musical and cultural festivals.