While Ljubljana’s ancient Roman, Baroque, and Secessionist-era architecture receives most of the attention, you should not overlook a fascinating archaeological site located just behind Cankarjev dom. Beneath that Brutalist facade and across a bustling street lies a compelling narrative of faith, perseverance, and transformation – the Early Christian Center.
During the early Christian period, Ljubljana – then a Roman city known as Emona – experienced waves of change. The decline of the Roman Empire gave way to the migration of various peoples, including the Huns and the Lombards. Yet, these challenges merely motivated the early Christians, who clung to their faith even in the face of adversity.
The early Christians of Ljubljana began constructing churches and chapels, some of which still exist today in various forms. These structures served not only as places of worship but also as centers of education and community life. They played a crucial role in preserving and spreading the Christian faith throughout the region.
The Early Christian Center in Ljubljana is an outdoor archaeological park that features beautiful mosaic floors and a 5th-century baptistry. It is complete with a plumbing system to pipe water in and out that made it state-of-the-art for its time. It was here that the earliest local Christians were baptized into their faith.
Sights along the way:
- Jakopič gallery,
- Cankarjev dom
- Republic square
