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SLOVENIA Late Antique settlements-refugees in Slovenia
Rifnik near Šentjur is the largest Late Antique settlement in Slovenia, whose rich history from prehistory to the early Middle Ages makes it one of the most important archaeological areas in the country.
Rifnik is a prominent hill south of Šentjur, rising above the valley of the Voglajna River. Because of its strategic location, it was inhabited as early as the Neolithic period (around 4000 BC), and later during the Bronze and Iron Ages. In the Roman period, the area became an important settlement center, reaching its peak in Late Antiquity (4th–6th centuries).
In Late Antiquity, Rifnik was the largest hilltop settlement in Slovenia, covering the entire upper plateau of the hill.
The settlement was fortified with walls and watchtowers, allowing its inhabitants to defend themselves against barbarian invasions.
Archaeologists discovered the foundations of seven houses, some built of stone and even equipped with central heating systems, showing a high level of living culture.
A key feature of the settlement were two early Christian churches, confirming that Rifnik became one of the earliest Christian centers in Slovenia.
The settlement also had a cistern for water, which made permanent habitation on the hill possible.
At the highest point of Rifnik, archaeologists uncovered remains of a temple dedicated to the local deity Aquona, associated with the Voglajna River. This illustrates the coexistence of pagan traditions and early Christianity, typical of the transitional period of Late Antiquity.
The first excavations were carried out during World War II by Walter Schmid, who uncovered prehistoric and Late Antique houses.
Later, Slovenian archaeologists such as Bolta and Pirkmajer continued the work, documenting several building phases of the settlement.
Today, visitors can see the foundations of churches, houses, walls, watchtowers, and the cistern, while the finds are preserved in the Celje Regional Museum.
The settlement declined in the second half of the 6th century, when the Slavs arrived in the region. Their arrival marked the end of the Romanized community that had used Rifnik as a safe refuge, and the beginning of a new early medieval period.
Rifnik is now arranged as an archaeological park, open year‑round.
Visitors can explore the foundations of churches, houses, walls, watchtowers, and the cistern, as well as a reconstructed prehistoric house with educational panels.
Thanks to its location, Rifnik is also a popular hiking destination, offering panoramic views of the Kozjansko region and the Celje Basin.
Conclusion: Rifnik near Šentjur is an outstanding example of the transition between Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages. As the largest Late Antique settlement in Slovenia, it combines archaeological, religious, and cultural significance, while today it is accessible as an archaeological park that offers visitors a direct encounter with heritage more than a thousand years old.
Sources and Literature:
Information boards at the archaeological site
Walter Schmid (World War II period)
The first systematic excavator of Rifnik, who uncovered prehistoric and Late Antique houses. His reports form the basis for later research.
Lojze Bolta (post‑war, 1950–1970)
Archaeologist of the Celje City Museum, later the Celje Regional Museum. He led regular seasonal excavations at Rifnik. Published in professional proceedings on prehistoric and Late Antique settlements.
Continued research at Rifnik almost uninterruptedly until 2010. Her works include analyses of building phases, early Christian churches, and cultural layers.
First presented in 1996, later updated. Accompanied by a catalogue with more than 600 artifacts ranging from the Neolithic to the arrival of the Slavs.
