The first settlement in the area of today’s Celje appeared during the Hallstatt culture. During the time of the Celts and ancient Greek historians, the place was known as Keleja, which meant shelter in the old Celtic language. In the 1st century BC. a strong settlement developed, where Noric money was minted until 15 BC. At that time, the settlement was conquered by the Romans and city was named Civitas Celeia. In 45 it received city rights under the rule of the Roman emperor Claudius. The rich and dense ancient settlement was protected by walls and defensive towers within the walls. The city was adorned with several storey palaces, wide squares and streets. The city had the nickname Troia secunda, meaning secondary Troy. Like Troy, Celje was followed by demolition in the 5th and 6th centurie during major migrations. The city was then rebuilt in the early Middle Ages under the name Cylie.

Today, this place has the statute of the municipality of Celje and is the center of the administrative unit and the center of the Savinjska statistical region. It lies between the confluence of the Savinja and Voglajna rivers in the Lower Savinja Valley. The city is located at 241 meters above sea level and has about 50,000 citizens. Due to its location, the city is important in the field of fairs and events, as well as has a strong sports history. It is traditionally the most important athletics center in Slovenia with the first independent athletic club and stadium. The Zlatorog Sports Hall is home to the Celje Handball Club.