The absorption (SP) and photoluminescence (PL) spectra of ВаF2:СеF3 crystals and nanoceramics based on them have been investigated. In samples of both types, under excitation at the excitation band λex = 285 nm, a doublet photoluminescence band with maxima at 305 and 320 nm (Ce1 centers) was found. In contrast to this, in optical nanoceramics were found 3 additional PL bands: λex=310 nm, λem = 370 nm (Ce2 centers), λex=250 nm λem=425 nm (Ce3 centers) and λex=345 nm λem=550 nm (Ce4 centers). The nature of the found centers has been identified.