Celendir

Celendir is a coastal city and major port on the southern coast of the continent of Ilyria. It serves as the administrative center of the Celendir District and a key economic hub for the region. The city sits at the mouth of the Liron River and is sheltered by a natural harbor that has supported trade since ancient times. The urban area has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers.

The name Celendir is of uncertain origin; most scholars derive it from Old Celari words for “sky” and “harbor.” Earliest references appear in medieval merchant records, and the city began to grow as a trading settlement in the 9th or 10th century. It acquired fortified walls in the 13th century and later developed into a major regional port. In the 19th century, Celendir expanded its administrative status and modernized infrastructure, including a railway connection linking it to inland cities.

Today the city has a population in the low hundreds of thousands, with a metropolitan area home to a larger population. The economy centers on shipping, shipbuilding, and seafood processing, complemented by light manufacturing and services. The port handles general cargo and seasonal fish exports, while the surrounding region supports aquaculture and tourism.

Landmarks include the Old Town district, Saint Mare Cathedral, and the Iron Gate fortifications. The city hosts annual Harbor Days, a festival featuring maritime parades and markets. Celendir is served by two bridges over the river and by an international airport located nearby; regional rail links connect it to major urban centers.