The institute is dedicated to the promotion of space-related activities, space technology, the promotion of a common European space policy, technological achievements of other space policies of countries with highly developed space technology, the bringing together of companies and other institutions dealing in space technology development and the promotion and development of tourism related to the activities of preserving and developing natural and cultural heritage, art and the development of social and cultural contents with the aim of the culturalization of the universe and the combination of art, science and economy. Commitment to a greater presence of the economy in the activities of the space industry. As part of its mission, the Institute also takes into account the ethical issues and the development and enforcement of ethical principles in the culturalization and exploitation of the universe.

The Centre offers several exhibitions:
Exhibition on Herman Potočnik Noordung, his roots, course of life and his only book "The Problem of Space Travel: The Rocket Motor" with which he went down in the history books as a pioneer of space architecture and astronautics. At the exhibition you may get familiar with his most relevant plan: a wheel-shaped space station, a plan of the first space station that served as inspiration in iconic filn of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Voyager Exhibition/ Dr. Mavretič focuses on the recognition of work of Dr. Anton Mavretič who has been engaged in space technology development. Among other things, he designed a unique PLS instrument for the Voyager space programme.

Within the Universe Exhibition you can get familiar with the space scales which enables you to check your weight on all planets of our solar system, the casts of meteorites fallen to the territory of Slovenia, photographs of the solar system planets by American photographer Michael Benson with descriptions and also expressed in Braille, and a comparison of the size of planets with the Sun of 1 cm – miniature reliefs of Mars in Mercury.

Mountain bikes were made for exploring the mountains, but in this case you can ride your bike through the mountain as we discovered a path through the abandoned and mysterious mining tunnels under Peca Mountain. Led by a guide and equipped with helmets and flashlights you can safely ride from one valley to another on a more than 5 kilometre-long underground path. Prepare to experience an unforgettable adventure. The trail runs through safe tunnels and only rises for about 15 m, but the holes and bumps left by the former railway sleepers do not allow a comfortable ride. The cycling adventure starts with the guide who greets you and then you together head for the entrance to the mine. After cycling the underground trail you will exit the mine in Breg above Mežica from where you will take the asphalt road (about 1.5 km) to descend to the starting point.

For more than 300 years, lead and zinc ore was mined under Peca Mountain. More than 800 km of tunnels were dug out in all those years with most of the tunnels dug into hard rock while the ore and waste were removed using carts and numerous transport routes. One of such tunnels is now used for this unique more than 15-kilometre-long cycling path. The trail runs through safe tunnels and only rises for about 15 m.

The mine has a constant temperature of 10 °C. Complete darkness and safety regulations in the underworld require the use of special equipment. It is mandatory to use a helmet and a flashlight. You can borrow both pieces of equipment upon the entrance fee payment. We recommend warm, casual clothing and cycling gloves.


The entire tour takes about 2.5 hours. The age limit is 10 years.


The mine tour is only possible on mountain bikes.

The beginnings of the Lucifer Chocolate trademark date back to 2007. The idea of chocolate was developed by Lučo, the mastermind and owner of the company, who used his cooking talent to play with chocolate and create desserts for his family. The excellence and uniqueness of the products made this trademark recognizable among people and chocolate quickly became a personal as well as a business gift for friends and business partners. Interest grew rapidly and along with it the need for a production of higher capacity. As a result, Lucifer moved to bigger facilities in 2009 and alongside the chocolatier opened a coffee shop where you can also buy their products.

The story of the Lucifer Chocolate brand began with great love for chocolate and a desire for creativity. Hand-made chocolate pralines soon developed into a fairy-tale chocolate shop, which was soon followed by a shop and Lucifer Café. The selection of top-quality chocolate products is varied and there is something for everyone – from pralines and cakes of various flavours to chocolate bars, hot chocolate and chocolate spreads and a wide variety of gift bonbons. All products are wrapped in sleek packaging that preserves their freshness and quality. All Lucifer Chocolate products are handmade and shaped with skill and feeling, which is reflected in the originality of shapes and flavours. The cocoa beans used in the products come from faraway lands around the equator where the best cocoa species are grown containing sophisticated aromas. Combined with top-quality flavours and ingredients from around the world added, the Lucifer Chocolate products are a delight that you will want over and over again.

A variety of 18 exceptional scenes from the life and work of miners is waiting for you. A rich central collection of the tradition of coal mining has been prepared so that you, accompanied by guides, can take a look at the coal mining development from the discovery of coal to the world-famous Velenje mining method still applied by miners. The history of the Velenje Coal Mine Company is presented as well as a typical miner’s flat before 1930 – thus becoming familiar with the culture of miners’ living 100 years ago. You will get to know »aufzugs« in the Black Wardrobe, a bathroom, the history of the legendary “jump over the skin” a gallery in the White Wardrobe and a Museum Shop.

You will enter the underground tunnels of the coal mine accompanied by guides in the exact same manner as the miners in the previous century, namely dressed in mining clothes, overcoat, complete with a helmet and a typical miner's snack. And then you will take the Old Shaft from 1888 to descend to the depth of 160 metres. This mine lift from 1888 is the oldest still functioning mine lift in Slovenia.

In an hour and a half you will experience a picturesque presentation of the work of miners in the past and today in the tunnels below. The story is created through the scenes and with puppets brought back to life by using sophisticated audio-visual equipment. You will be presented with the mining machinery in the underground premises of the last few decades of the development of the Velenje Coal Mine. The guided tour is concluded by a ride on the underground railway.

Finally, you will take a look at the White and Black wardrobe with a collection presenting the coal mining development and a typical coal miner's flat of 1930.

The archaeological exhibition site - Town Beneath Today's Town in the cellars of the Princely Palace is the largest presentation so far of the remains of Roman Celeia in situ. Its silent yet picturesque testimony invites you to walk among its ancient walls bearing witness to the town’s rich history.

The favourable, protected position along a bend of the Savinja River, rich hinterland of the Savinja Valley and the intersection of trade routes attracted our ancestors to inhabit the area of present-day Celje as early as in prehistoric times. The oldest settlement on Miklavž Hill is known from the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age (9th to 6th century B.C.), while the Celtic Tauri tribe established one of their important centres on a terrace of Miklavž Hill above the town park in the late Iron Age. The remains of a silver coin mint among other things testify of this Celtic settlement.

In 15 B.C. the kingdom of Noricum, and the oppidum of Celeia being its part, was annexed to the Roman state. During the rule of Emperor Claudius (41-54 A.D.) in the period when Noricum became a Roman procuratorial province, Celeia was one of the first in the province to acquire the status of municipium (independent town), with the full name of the Municipium Claudium Celeia. In the following two centuries town reached its greatest expansion and also physical growth. During the late classical period, Celeia became significantly smaller, and after the turn of the 6th century, the once flourishing town was hardly ever mentioned.

Romantic, enticing, magnificent, dark, frightening – the Old Castle of Celje. It is a must-see sight for all visitors to Celje regardless of where they are from. A mighty walled caste towering over the city is sure to leave you speechless. Once you visit it, it will stay in your memories forever.

The earliest written record of the Old Castle of Celje dates from 1323. Its image used to be much more modest as it only comprised of a Romanesque palladium with the rampart. The Castle took its present form later when it came into the possession of the Counts of Celje, the most famous and most important ruling family on the territory of present-day Slovenia. They expanded their authority and political power deep into then Europe and were thus masters of the destiny of a broader geographical area. Frederick I was the first to move to the Old Castle of Celje with his wife and four children. After moving in, he fundamentally transformed the Castle and enlarged it into a comfortable residence. Later on, the Castle gradually expanded. Around 1400, the Counts also erected a four-storey defence tower on a nearby hill that was subsequently referred to as Frederick’s Tower and the defence wall that have been preserved until today. The tower was named after Frederick II who was imprisoned there. The Dynasty of the Counts of Celje ended with the death of the last male member, Ulrich II.

When the Castle was renovated, it also obtained a modern Tourist Information Centre and Veronika Café and turned into an attractive tourist site offering a wonderful view of the city and the surrounding countryside. At the Tourist Information Centre, visitors can obtain leaflets and other materials on the Castle, Celje and its surrounding and the sights and various events. Various souvenirs and products of arts and crafts can also be purchased.

Every last Saturday in August, the Celje Old Castle is the venue of a traditional medieval festival "Dežela Celjska vabi" ("Land of Celje invites"). Throughout the summer, the program Live History taking place there offers an immersive experience as the visitors can become a part of “alive” history and take part in sword fights with knights, shoot with bows, flirt with the princesses, unleash their creativity in medieval workshops, etc.