Velenje Castle, Medieval castle in Velenje, Slovenia.

Velenje Castle is a five-sided stone fortress on a rounded hill about 60 m above the town, with a large courtyard containing a well and a flowerbed beside an arcade. A triangular defense tower stands on the northeastern wall, and the residential buildings with basement cellars occupy the southeast corner. The southeastern part includes a Renaissance rondela with Renaissance windows, a stone cordon, resin spouts, and rectangular loopholes.

First mentioned in 1270, the castle guarded the route from the Celje Basin to Carinthia. The Wagen von Wagensberg family rebuilt it as a Renaissance residence in the early 16th century; the von Sauer family held it from 1603 to 1797. In 1918 the Coronini von Cronberg counts acquired it and used it as a summer residence until 1943. After World War II it became state property and was renovated from 1957.

The castle displays an unexpected mix of African artworks, Roman objects, and local pieces from different eras on its walls. This variety shows how the building attracted people with diverse interests over time and kept their collections within its stone rooms.

The castle sits on a hill and is easily reached by car, so wear comfortable shoes for walking around its various levels. It is worth checking beforehand which areas are open, since parts may be closed for events or maintenance on any given day.

The fortress was originally a military stronghold that controlled trade routes from the Celje Basin toward Carinthia and successfully resisted a Turkish assault in the 17th century. Its strategic position on the hill made it a key defensive point that many attempted to breach but none could take by force.