An intriguing location
South of Šentjur near Celje, there is a striking hill which, with its position, shape and view over the surroundings, indicates a location, suitable for living and as a safe refuge. This is exactly what our ancestors noticed, and therefore it is not surprising that Rifnik itself, or rather its peak, has been inhabited since the Neolithic and then continued throughout all important historical periods up to the Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages, its northern slope was enriched with a castle.
The Treasures of Rifnik
There are not many archaeological sites in Slovenia that have been inhabitated as long as Rifnik. Archaeological research began already during the Second World War, in the years 1941-43 under the leadership of archaeologist Walter Schmid, who excavated also other most important Slovenian sites. In addition to several prehistoric buildings, he discovered some masonry ones, pointing to the existence of a prehistoric settlement and a late antique fort.
Prehistory
Due to the importance of the site, the archeologists of the Provincial Museum of Celje continued the archaeological research between 1962 and 1978. These researches revealed the true image of this important outpost. At this time, the discovery of the associated burial ground, which is located under the settlement to the south, was also important. 109 graves from the Migration Period with a rich collection of grave goods were discovered, which further increased the interest and importance of Rifnik.
Antiquity (Roman period)
In the Roman period, a sanctuary was built on the highest point of Rifnik, dedicated to the god Akvon. It is believed that this was a local god of the Voglajna River, which flows below the hill, as the god Akvon is only known from three votive altars that have been found on Rifnik.
Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages
The Roman settlers built stone houses on sunny slopes, which were probably covered with shingles. Since there was no natural source of water, it was necessary to build a cistern, which is one of the largest from this period in Slovenia. The entire settlement was protected on two sides by a mighty, one-meter-thick wall with guard towers. In this period, two early Christian churches were also built. One, on the highest point of Rifnik, hides the remains of an older sanctuary underneath, which is believed to be a sanctuary dedicated to Akvon. This church was without an apse, and the existence of a baptistery is assumed. The other church, a little smaller, with an apse and a little further away, is supposedly Arian.
Rifnik Archaeological Park
On the top of the hill in the presen time there is a well-maintained archaeological park, measuring approximately 200x130 meters, in which partially reconstructed remains of some buildings, fortifications, and two early Christian churches are located.
