One of the finest castles in all of Slovenia, for much of its history the town of Velenje consisted of little more than the this medieval hilltop residence and a handful of buildings at its base. While everything changed in the 1950s with the construction of a modern town covering much of the valley below, the castle has maintained a watchful eye over the development, and is still the single most recognisable sight in Velenje.

Originally constructed in the 13th century, the castle's appearance today largely dates from several centuries later, and in recent years it has been completely renovated and restored to its former glory. As visually stunning and architecturally interesting as the building itself is, the real attraction here is the diverse collection of the Velenje Museum that is housed within.

In addition to an extensive collection covering the history of the Šaleška valley, there's a permanent exhibition of both Baroque and contemporary art, as well as a detailed presentation of the origins of the modern city. However, perhaps the most unique feature is the largest collection of African art in Slovenia - and the true story of how it found its way here is almost as interesting as the collection itself. Guided tours are optional, but extremely fascinating and highly recommendable, especially at the end when you find yourself in a late-19th century beerhouse!