When did the first major archaeological excavations of Emona take place?

The first major excavations of Emona were carried out in and around Mirje between 1909 and 1912. These revealed the entire southern section of the Roman city, attracting huge public attention. Even though it was already known that Ljubljana had originally been a Roman city, this first proper excavation, carried out by Walter Schmid, was a fascinating unearthing of the past. It was the first time that the full extent of Emona was revealed more or less as we know it to be today, and people were as excited about it then as we are today.

Having been reminded that their city could boast an ancient heritage, Ljubljanans began to see the tourist, commercial and political potential of Emona. Influential citizens, led by the conservator France Stele and the famous architect Jože Plečnik, saw Emona as an important element in the restoration of Ljubljana’s fortunes: one that, at a crucial moment in the city’s history, could strengthen its claim to be the nation’s capital.

The City Museum contains just one exhibit linked to these first excavations, but it is an important one: a model of Emona as it was known at the time.

Made in around 1930, this model was first put on display at the Ljubljana Trade Fair, a major exhibition that aimed to attract foreign tourists to Slovenian cities. After being kept at the City Hall for several years, it now forms part of the permanent collection at the City Museum, the venue that records show it was originally made for.

Even though the model is now nearly 100 years old and is made of organic materials, it is still as good as new.