From counterfeit medieval coins to bullets: Archaeological finds from Ljubljana Castle

In recent weeks, two significant cultural developments have captured public attention in Slovenia—one centered on archaeological discoveries at Ljubljana Castle and another focused on the restoration of the Kosovel House in Tomaj. These events highlight the country’s ongoing efforts to preserve its historical heritage while also embracing modern approaches to cultural conservation and education.

At Ljubljana Castle, archaeologists have uncovered a range of intriguing artifacts during recent excavations on the fortress's bastion. Among these finds are cannonballs weighing several kilograms, bullets used by crossbowmen, and even coins from the 12th century. The discovery includes two identical coins minted in the second half of the 12th century, which were contemporary forgeries rather than genuine currency. These items offer insight into both military practices and economic conditions of the time. The excavation project, led by Martin Horvat, has concluded over six decades of research on the area, revealing layers of history from ancient times up to the modern era. Notably, remnants of wooden fortifications from the 11th and 12th centuries were found beneath the later stone castle walls, indicating early defensive structures before the construction of the medieval fortress. This archaeological work has been conducted under the auspices of the City Museum of Ljubljana in collaboration with the Archaeological Research Consortium for Ljubljana.

The findings will be displayed in an exhibition titled "Between Defense and Trade: The Castle as a Symbol of Ljubljana," which opened recently and will remain open until October 4th. The exhibition aims to provide visitors with a comprehensive view of the archaeological investigations carried out within the castle complex, showcasing selected items from the latest phase of excavations. It also highlights how the castle functioned historically, particularly as a communication hub between different parts of the city. For instance, evidence suggests that the central market was initially walled off, serving as a defense mechanism against potential threats coming from the direction of the Old Market Square, which had not yet been fortified at that time.

Meanwhile, in Tomaj, the restored Kosovel House has reopened after extensive renovations aimed at preserving its legacy while making it accessible to the public. The house, originally built by poet Anton Kosovel between 1924 and 1925, was once home to his family and served as a cultural landmark. After the death of Anton and his wife Katarina, their daughter Tončka took care of the property, followed later by Aino Kosovel, who ensured the house remained intact until her passing in 2013. Under an agreement with the Municipality of Sežana, the house would become a cultural monument belonging to the town upon Aino's death, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The renovation project included restoring the violin and piano that belonged to Srečko Kosovel, the poet whose legacy the house honors. The new design incorporates elements that reflect the original aesthetic of the house, including the color scheme and decorative borders of the former living room where Srečko wrote. The renovated space now serves as a multifunctional venue for cultural activities, educational programs, and tourism, aiming to revive the spirit of creativity and community that characterized the Kosovel family's life. Local officials emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it represents a lasting tribute to Kosovel's contributions to Slovenian culture and literature.

On a broader scale, Slovenia continues to solidify its position as a global leader in cultural heritage science. Recently, the eighth international conference, Chemistry for Cultural Heritage (ChemCH 2026), took place in Bled, bringing together experts from various fields such as chemistry, physics, archaeology, conservation, restoration, and data science. Organized under the patronage of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO, the conference addressed critical issues facing the preservation of cultural heritage today. Discussions focused on integrating chemical knowledge with digital technologies and artificial intelligence, aligning with sustainability goals outlined in the Green Deal. The event underscored the role of interdisciplinary cooperation between academic institutions and cultural organizations in advancing responsible conservation practices.

This year's conference attracted more than 200 participants, far exceeding initial expectations. Prof. Dr. Matija Strlič highlighted the significance of hosting such a major event in Slovenia, emphasizing the country's growing influence in the field of cultural heritage science. With the establishment of the GreenHer Excellence Center supported by European Union funding and the Slovenian government, Slovenia is positioning itself as a hub for innovative research in this domain. Additionally, the European Research Infrastructure for Cultural Heritage Science (E-RIHS), partially funded by Slovenian contributions, further reinforces the nation's commitment to fostering collaborative scientific endeavors across Europe.

These developments illustrate Slovenia's dedication to both uncovering its past through rigorous archaeological investigation and safeguarding its cultural treasures using cutting-edge scientific methods. Whether through exhibitions at historic sites or the revitalization of literary landmarks, the nation is actively engaging with its rich historical narrative while ensuring its relevance for future generations. As these projects continue to unfold, they promise to deepen our understanding of the past and inspire continued investment in the protection and promotion of cultural heritage worldwide.