Velenje Castle
History
First documents mention owners of Velenje Castle (Welen, vest Welen) Kunšper gentlemen in 1270. Their relatives Ptuj gentlemen bought castle in 1322, but gave it away as dowry to Liechtenstein family. Counts of Celje conquered castle for a while at the end of 14th century ,but had to return it after the decree of duke Albert of Habsburg (1393). Family Wagen von Wagensberg entirely renovated the construction in the 16th century and the fortress was transformed in a Renaissance residence. Until beginning of 17th century castle changed many owners, than Sauer family remained as owners for almost 200 years.
The most important owners in the 19th century were Karl and Bianca Adamovich. The last owner of the castle count Coronnini-Kromberg used the castle only as a summer residence 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 was demolished and the building was falling into ruins. In 1957 Velenje coalmine founded a Museum of Slovene Coalmines in the castle. Gradually first collections were organized and at the same time an intensive renovation of the building was done.
The castle changed owners frequently from the 14th century onwards and underwent substantial modifications during the early 16th century; subsequent improvements over the last few centuries have given it the shape as we see it today - a residential building with vaulted cellars and a beautiful, arcade-enclosed courtyard, surrounded by a five-armed external wall with defence towers.
The castle is a popular venue for various cultural and music events organised by the ‘events’ section of Velenje Library.