Without an Agreement, the Ancient Necropolis Will Close in 2027

The Roman Necropolis in Šempeter in the Savinja Valley could close from 2027 if the authorities fail to reach an agreement. The site’s ownership arrangements remain unresolved, even as its Roman tombs continue to deteriorate.

The tombs rank among the most important and best-preserved Roman-era monuments in Slovenia and this part of Europe. They have stood outdoors for years, exposed to the effects of time and weather.

The Municipality of Žalec and the Šempeter Tourist Association have managed the necropolis since 2008. Žalec Mayor Janko Kos has repeatedly warned that the arrangement has become financially unsustainable. He has also accused the state of doing nothing to protect the national monument.

The Culture Ministry says it is looking for a solution, but insists that the ownership situation must be resolved first. The municipality sought to restore the Spektatii tomb two years ago. More than eight metres high, it was built by Gaius Spectatius Finit, the mayor of Celeia, for himself, his son and probably his wife.

The Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia has warned for years about the very poor condition of the stone monuments. The ministry quoted the institute’s Celje regional office as saying: "Without proper protection, they are undergoing severe deterioration."

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Without proper protection, they are undergoing severe deterioration