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Roman Necropolis Šempeter
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The Roman Necropolis in Šempeter, located in the Savinja Valley, is one of the most significant archaeological sites from the Roman era in Central Europe. It was originally situated along the vital Roman road connecting the ancient cities of Celeia (Celje) and Petovio (Ptuj). The site was discovered by chance in 1952 when a local farmer unearthed fragments of a marble statue. Subsequent excavations revealed a series of magnificent funerary monuments, primarily belonging to the wealthy Ennius family and other prominent citizens of Celeia. These marble monuments, some standing up to 8 meters tall, are adorned with intricate reliefs depicting mythological scenes and aspects of daily life in the province of Noricum. A particularly notable piece is the Tomb of the Ennii, which features a famous relief of the abduction of Europa. Today, the archaeological park provides an extraordinary look into Roman funerary art and social stratification during the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD.
- Location: Slovenia
- Top sights: Gasilski muzej · Dom II. slovenskega tabora · Graščina Prebold
- Nearby: Trbovlje (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 58 | 72 | 68 | 77 | 102 | 94 | 90 | 100 | 124 | 101 | 101 | 77 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Roman Necropolis Šempeter is an open-air archaeological site that can be visited all year round. You can walk freely among the reconstructed and original funerary monuments.
Typical hours
The site is typically open daily from morning to evening, with shorter hours in winter. A small museum on site has its own opening hours that should be checked in advance.
Photography
Photography is allowed without restrictions across the entire site, including the grave monuments. Flash should be avoided near delicate stones, but otherwise there are no restrictions.
Time needed
A visit to the necropolis takes about 45 minutes to an hour if you view all monuments thoroughly. With the museum, add another 20 minutes.
Combine with
Šempeter lies in the Savinja Valley, which also features the town of Celje with its castle. Combine the visit with a wine tour of the region or a detour to Celje Castle.
Getting there
The necropolis is located in the town of Šempeter v Savinjski dolini and is reachable on foot from the center. Parking is available directly at the site; bus access is also possible.
Insider tip
Visit the site early in the morning when the light beautifully highlights the reliefs on the tombstones. Bring a magnifying glass to discover the fine details of the inscriptions.
Geography
Facts
- Discovered accidentally during field work in 1952
- The funerary monuments date to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD
- The tallest monument stands over 8 meters high
- Sculpted from high-quality white Pohorje marble
- Features reliefs of the Ennius family and mythological tales
- The site was preserved for centuries under Savinja river silt
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Roman Necropolis Šempeter (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in the necropolis?
Magnificent Roman marble funerary monuments with detailed reliefs.
When is the site open?
In season (April-October) daily from 10 AM to 6 PM; often closed on Mondays.
Is the necropolis outdoors?
Yes, it is an open-air archaeological park, but the monuments are sheltered by roofs.
Are there guided tours?
Yes, expert guides explain the myths and stories depicted on the reliefs.
Is the place suitable for children?
Yes, it is an educational spot to experience Roman history firsthand.
Roman Necropolis Šempeter: where is it located?
Roman Necropolis Šempeter is located in Slovenia.
Roman Necropolis Šempeter: what is there to see?
Highlights include Gasilski muzej, Dom II. slovenskega tabora, Graščina Prebold.
Roman Necropolis Šempeter: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Roman Necropolis Šempeter: why is it worth visiting?
The Roman Necropolis in Šempeter, located in the Savinja Valley, is one of the most significant archaeological sites from the Roman era in Central Europe.
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