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The history of the Savinja Valley dates back to prehistoric times. Surrounded by the majestic Kamnik-Savinja Alps and Pohorje hills, the valley once served as a strategic route for traders.
During the Middle Ages, the region was part of the Holy Roman Empire, and numerous castles were built to protect the area. The valley has witnessed significant historical events, from medieval battles to the rise of the Industrial Revolution. Today, these stories are preserved in the form of historic towns and landmarks, inviting visitors to step back in time.
Among the many well-preserved churches, the most renowned is the Church of St. Rok in Šmarje pri Jelšah with its Calvary, considered one of Slovenia’s Seven Wonders.
A particularly significant chapter in the region’s history is the discovery of the Roman city of Celeia, parts of which can still be seen beneath modern-day Celje. Other notable historical sites include the Roman necropolis in Šempeter and the archaeological site of Rifnik near Šentjur, home to the largest Late Antiquity settlement in Slovenia.
One of the most important historical landmarks in the Savinja Valley is Celje Castle, perched on a hill above the city of Celje. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle was once the seat of the powerful Counts of Celje, one of the most influential noble families in medieval Slovenia. The castle boasts impressive towers, defensive walls, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can explore its noble chambers, learn about its rich history, and even attend cultural events held throughout the year.
The city of Celje is steeped in history, with numerous buildings preserved from the Roman, medieval, and Renaissance periods. The old town center of Celje is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll along its cobbled streets, where visitors can discover remnants of medieval walls, charming houses, and picturesque squares. The city’s rich heritage is reflected in the Old Castle, a symbol of Celje’s historical significance.
Logar Valley is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Europe. It is of tectonic origin, formed as a result of fractures in the bedrock. The valley is home to just 35 residents living in scattered homesteads.
In 1987, Logar Valley was designated a protected landscape park, covering an area of 24 km². Its appeal lies in the pristine natural environment and numerous natural attractions that draw nature enthusiasts from near and far. Over the centuries, local farms have shaped the cultural landscape, leaving a lasting mark on the region. The harmonious coexistence of humans and nature is a rare and valuable quality that still defines Logar Valley today.
The Solčava region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological findings on Mount Olševa (1,849 m) and in the famous Potočka Zijalka cave, where the Ice Age human Homo sapiens fossilis once lived. Among the discovered artifacts, a particularly fascinating find is a needle estimated to be nearly 35,000 years old.
The first known settlement of these former glacial valleys began at least in the 12th century, originating from the Carinthian side. Until the construction of the road from Luče in 1864, the village and its surroundings were geographically and economically connected exclusively to Carinthia.
During World War II, in 1944, Solčava was almost entirely burned down, except for the church, the parish house, and a few granaries. Many isolated farms in the surrounding area were also destroyed by fire.
The spas were first mentioned in written documents dating to 1486, the Aquilea Document. The spas were owned by the Habsburgs for 30 years and then by the Counts of Celje (1456) together with the Laško Estate. Through history the baths owners changed numerous times. The first turnabout in the spa's history was in 1840, when the former wholesale merchant from Trieste Gustav Adolf Uhlich bought the spas on behalf of his wife Amalia because he was healed by the healing power of the thermal water there. This was when what had been a modest health resort was turned into the modern spas and given the name Rimske Toplice ('Roman Spas'). Russian prisoners of war built a 2 km promenade through the forest (The Roman Path) during the First World War. Open thermal baths from 1931 were an important achievement. During the Second World War the spa was occupied by wounded German soldiers and the owner (a member of the Uhlich family) and his family moved away at the end of the war. From 1991 onwards, after the Yugoslav People's Army left, attempts were made to revive Rimske Toplice. Finally, on 17 November 2005 the thermal spas once again opened their doors to guests, with the Medical Rehabilitation Center aiding the revival of the town's fortunes.
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