Celje knight for king of Celje

Winner of second stage will receive a symbol of power of the Counts and Princes of Celje who bestowed town privileges on Celje in 1451, and imprinted their coat of arms on history to this day.

The magnificent fortress above Celje was the seat of the most renowned and influential dynasty with original estates in the territory of today's Slovenia – the Counts of Celje who reached the ranks of the Princes of the Holy Roman Empire. In the short period of their reign in the 14th and 15th century, this ambitious and highly successful dynasty left an indelible mark as they relied on cunning policy and strategically calculated marriages to constantly expand their wealth, influence, and power. Their ascent was meteoric; yet the treacherous murder of Ulrich of Celje in Belgrade brought it to a miserable end. Today, the three golden stars against blue background remind us of the glorious period of the town on the Savinja River, which helped shape the mediaeval Europe.

The knight presented to the winner of the 2nd stage of the Tour of Slovenia symbolizes power, authority, and the greatness of the Counts and Princely Counts of Celje. The pride of the people of Celje lives to this day, and the spirit of the mighty reign of the Celje dynasty will persist forever. Those who appreciate and respect their roots can spread their wings wide on their way into a bright future.