In October 2026, New Acropolis Slovenia held two connected events dedicated to the Roman necropolis in Šempeter, whose funerary monuments rank among the most significant and best-preserved Roman monuments in Slovenia and Central Europe. Their aim was to bring the richness of ancient heritage closer to the public and explore how its stories and values can come alive among us once again.

Saturday’s event, “When Monuments Speak: Stories of Eternal Love”, took visitors among the impressive Roman funerary monuments. Through a guided tour, explanations of ancient myths alongside their depictions on the monuments, and philosophical discussion, we explored stories carved in stone almost two thousand years ago. We sought their messages about love, fidelity, courage and sacrifice, and reflected on their connections to our own lives.

On Tuesday, the Celje Regional Museum hosted a symposium entitled “How Can Heritage Once Again Become a Living Human Experience?”. Contributions from different fields shed light on the necropolis’s historical background, the artistic value of its imagery, the philosophical meaning of its myths and the opportunities heritage offers for local development. Particular emphasis was placed on the need to provide adequate protection for the monuments and raise awareness of their significance.

Both events shared a wish to engage, through heritage, with timeless human questions. Understanding the mythological stories and the historical origins of the monuments deepens our awareness of their value and our responsibility to preserve them. We hope that the Šempeter necropolis will become a place of encounter, learning and inspiration, where the wisdom of the past helps us shape the present and future more consciously.