Archaeological research ongoing as part of the renovation of Novi trg (New Square) in the ancient heart of Ljubljana has unearthed a wealth of interesting finds.

Prehistoric graves

There have been extensive previously researched burial sites with flat cremation burials from the era of the late Bronze Age and Late and Early Iron Age (13th – 2nd century BC) in the Gosposka ulica area. So far, we have documented finds from this period above all within the extent of modern infrastructure. We are also recording traces of burial holes ‘in situ’.

Roman Emona

The research area lies within the southern perimeter of the Roman town of Emona. Beneath today’s Gosposka ulica we have recorded the foundations and remains of paved surfaces of many buildings from that era. On a site close to the Ljubljanica we have discovered various paved and hardened surfaces, which eased access for residents of the time to the riverbanks at Breg. It is surprising to have discovered two skeletal graves, most likely from the period of late antiquity, as graves from that period have not been seen here up to now.

The medieval town and early-modern square

We have also discovered remains of the foundations of medieval buildings demolished to make way for the square in the 16th century; a partially preserved stone floor in front of the SAZU HQ can be seen on the old image of Novi trg.

The research is being carried out by Ljubljana City Museum and Galleries (MGML) under the stewardship of Martin Horvat in partnership with the Stik Group. It is expected that the archaeological research will be concluded by the end of June 2013.

Matej Draksler, Assistant Head of Research