The summer archaeological school Wolves and Caesars returned for the third time to explore the archaeological site at Baba Hill above Slavina. A team of six students from the University of Oshkosh, Wisconsin (USA), led by Professors Dr. Adrienne Frie and Dr. Kevin Gartski, in cooperation with the National Museum of Slovenia, the Institute of Archaeology at the Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (ZRC SAZU), and with the support of the Park of Military History, carried out archaeological excavations and analyzed lidar terrain scans in an effort to identify the function of a structure currently under investigation.

The archaeological site at Baba Hill is notable for the remains of a large fortified settlement, dated from the end of the Bronze Age to the Roman period. The significant local importance of this prehistoric settlement is evidenced by the still-visible remains of a massive stone wall, which included what appears to have been a defensive tower at its westernmost point. Based on field assessments, the stone fortification measured between three and four meters in width, and two possible entrances to the settlement remain discernible today. The interior was densely populated and divided into residential and industrial areas.

This year’s excavations revealed almost the entire structure, which was likely used by prehistoric inhabitants of the hilltop settlement as a workshop. The building underwent at least one major reconstruction during its period of use, though the exact function and continuity of the structure will be determined through further laboratory analysis of archaeological finds and stratigraphic layers. Among the notable discoveries this year were large quantities of animal bones, remains of fibulae (bronze brooches), and various fragments of metal objects, including a Roman hobnail from military sandals. The American students were especially excited by the discovery of Celtic silver coins and larger fragments of elaborately crafted Roman tableware and amphorae. The variety of finds confirms contact between the local prehistoric population and the Roman Republic, while also raising new questions regarding the fate of the settlement and its inhabitants at the threshold between prehistory and antiquity. The historical developments in this region were undoubtedly complex.

Based on current findings, two scenarios are proposed regarding the end of the settlement above Slavina. In the 1st century BCE, Gaius Julius Caesar, during his proconsulship in Gaul, was responsible for the administration and defense of northern Italy and for recruiting auxiliary troops, including from the area of present-day western Slovenia. Caesar established his operational headquarters for the Gallic campaigns in Aquileia. It is highly plausible that the local population resisted conscription into Caesar’s legions, which may have prompted a Roman military intervention and the subsequent destruction of rebellious hillforts. An alternative interpretation places the event several decades later, during the military campaign of Octavian—Caesar’s successor and the first Roman emperor Augustus—who led a large-scale military operation against Illyricum through this region.

The summer archaeological school is also strongly embedded in the local community, with valuable support provided by the Slavina Local Community and the Slavina Cultural Society. As in previous years, a public presentation of the school’s work and research findings was organized on June 20 at the Cultural Centre in Slavina. Dr. Boštjan Laharnar from the National Museum of Slovenia presented this year’s discoveries and insights to local residents. On this occasion, a small exhibition was also opened, informing the public about the archaeologists’ work and findings, placing them within the broader context of the group of hillforts surrounding Slavina and the region’s historical developments.

The Park of Military History will be open every day from 9:00 to 18:00 during July and August.

In the largest museum complex in Slovenia, is hom,e to the country`s richest collection of military and historical heritage, providing an unparalleled insight into both national and world history.

At the Park of Military History, you can see a diverse array of exhibits, including a Stone Age bow as well as jet aircraft. In addition to the extensive tank, artillery, and aircraft collections, the museum’s “XXL” exhibits that include a German World War II steam locomotive from , the P-111 police boat, and the P-913 submarine, which you can also explore from the inside, are particularly noteworthy for their impressive size and the stories they tell.
The exhibition The Road to Independence offers a facinating glimpse into the pivotal period of the formation of the Slovenian state, while the exhibition Enigma – The Mysterious Behind the Scenes of War illustrates the role of the German and Allied cryptologic services in the course and outcome of the Second World War.

As a modern museum centre, the Park of Military History has much more to offer – you can enjoy a meal at the museum restaurant, shop at the well-stocked museum shop, relax at the motorhome stopover site, and explore several pleasant walking and hiking trails.

To visit the interior of the submarine or the police boat P-111, as part of the additional museum offer, prior reservation of a time slot is required by phone at +386 (0)31 775 002 or by email at [email protected].

The main museum exhibition “Road to Independence” at the Park of Military History presents the formation of the Slovenian state, with a special focus on the war for the defense of sovereignty in 1991. It was from here, on June 26, 1991, that the first tanks drove onto the roads, launching the aggression against the newly independent Slovenia.

To mark Statehood Day on June 25, 2025, which also coincides with the beginning of school holidays, the Park is organizing a Family Day – an event for the whole family.

With a focus on children and youth, we will showcase the importance of national defense, protection, and security services in a fun, educational, and interactive way. Visitors can expect numerous children’s workshops and entertainment activities by all participating organizations. A highlight of the day will be the performance of the music group Čuki, featuring a special children’s entertainment program.

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PROGRAMME

9:00 – Walk Through History – Hike to the Alpine Wall Fortress on Primož Hill
11:00–11:40 – Performance by the Pristava Folklore Group
12:00 – Magic Show with Magician Rado
13:00–13:45 – Concert by The Rhine River Ramblers
14:00 – Presentation of the Slovenian Armed Forces Museum and the Park of Military History vehicle collection
15:00 – Magician Rado performs again
16:00–18:00 – Concert by ČUKI

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9:00–18:00 – FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME

• Slovenian Armed Forces
• Police
• Postojna Fire Department
• AMZS Superheroes
• Water Sprite Vodko (Kovod Postojna)
• PGD Studeno Vintage Fire Truck Society
• Postojna Rescue Dog Handlers Club
• Survival School – instructor Tomaž Polanec
• Airsoft Association “H.A.S. team”

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10:00–16:00 – CHILDREN’S WORKSHOPS

• Park of Military History
• Notranjska Museum Postojna
• Dina Centre – Large Carnivore Visitor Centre
• Ecomuseum of the Pivka Intermittent Lakes
• Family Centre Brlog Postojna
• Face painting
• Special Surprise – a visit from Slovenian folks tales hero Martin Krpan!

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NOTE:

The hike is suitable for all generations. The registration fee is 5 EUR. Children under the age of 6 may participate free of charge. If you plan to enter the underground fortress on Primož Hill, bring a flashlight. Hiking shoes and clothing are recommended. Parking is available at the Park of Military History. Participation is at your own risk. In case of bad weather, the hike will be canceled.

The organizer reserves the right to modify the programme.

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ADMISSION:

Regular ticket prices according to the 2025 price list of the Park of Military History apply on the day of the event.

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TOUR OF THE SUBMARINE OR POLICE PATROL BOAT

Advance reservation is MANDATORY for tours of the submarine or the police patrol boat.
Please book your time slot by calling +386 31 775 002 or emailing [email protected].

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PARKING – Wednesday, June 25, 2025

We encourage visitors to consider arriving in Pivka by train.
For those arriving by car, free parking will be provided at designated parking areas.
A free shuttle service will operate between the parking lots and the Park from 11:00 to 19:00.
We recommend arriving early.

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CATERING

Food and drinks will be available throughout the day.
You will be able to enjoy offerings from:
Kantina Pivka, Domača marenda, Gostilna pri Zotlarju, Okrepčevalnica Kiosk, Sweet Point, and Waffle to go.

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NOTICE

The event will be photographed and filmed. Photos and video recordings may be used for promotional purposes by the Park of Military History. By attending, visitors acknowledge that they may be photographed or recorded.

The organizer is not responsible for lost or damaged personal items.
Visitors are required to follow the instructions of the event’s security staff.

CONTACT:

Park of Military History, Kolodvorska 51, 6257 Pivka

T: +386 (0)31 775 002

E: [email protected]

The Park of Military History will be open in June from Monday to Friday between 10:00 and 16:00, and on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 and 18:00.

On Statehood Day, 25 June 2025, which coincides with the start of the school holidays, the Park will host a Family Day – an event for the whole family.

With a focus on children and youth, the event will present the importance of national services for defence, protection, and safety in a fun, educational, and interactive way. You can look forward to numerous children’s workshops and animation programmes provided by all participating institutions. The highlight of the day will surely be the performance by the group Čuki, featuring an animated programme for children.

To visit the interior of the submarine or the police boat P-111 as part of the additional museum offer, prior reservation is required by phone at +386 (0)31 775 002 or by email at [email protected].

On Saturday, 24 May, the Park of Military History hosted the 17. International Miniature Festival World in Miniature, a traditional gathering of model makers and scale modellers organised by the association Svet v malem (The world in miniature). The event was held at the Park for the fourth consecutive year and once again attracted numerous participants from both Slovenia and abroad.

A total of 146 competitors entered the contest, presenting 487 models across various categories. Among them were 35 young modellers who competed in junior categories featuring aircraft, ships, and vehicles.

The festival had a distinctly international character, with participants arriving from Italy, Croatia, Serbia, Hungary, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Czech Republic. Alongside traditional military vehicle, ship, and diorama models, visitors could also admire remote-controlled aircraft models, fantasy creations, and racing track dioramas.

The exhibition drew a large audience, who enthusiastically explored the highly detailed and skillfully crafted models on display. The event was further enriched by creative workshops led by the Back to Basics Society, where young participants had the opportunity to build their own tank scale models and learn about advanced modelling techniques.

In parallel with the competition, a model fair was held, offering a wide selection of kits from various manufacturers, military and modelling literature, and a presentation of the activities of the Svet v malem Association. The event also featured a presentation by the reenactment society DTI – Society for Tactical Games, together with the reenactment unit Regiment, which showcased the equipment of the Partisans and the Yugoslav People’s Army at two dedicated exhibition stands.

The event was further enhanced by the participation of the 45th Armoured Battalion of the Slovenian Armed Forces and the Slovenian Armed Forces Recruitment Unit from Postojna. In addition, a selection of operational armoured vehicles from the Park’s collection and the Slovenian Armed Forces Museum were showcased in live demonstration runs on the museum’s driving range.

On the day of the festival, the Park of Military History received two significant donations. Mr Maurizio Bressan generously donated two original Royal Air Force flight suits—complete kits representing pilots of the British Harrier and Tornado aircraft. These valuable additions will significantly enrich the museum’s collection, and we extend our sincere gratitude to Mr Bressan, who has contributed several items to the Park in the past.

The second donation came from Mr Iztok Kočevar, a former tank crewman and expert in armoured military technology, currently active at the model-making company Triglav Models. He donated a detailed scale model of the T-55 tank, which will be a valuable enhancement to the museum’s display.

On Wednesday, 21 May, the Park of Military History hosted the opening of a guest exhibition by the Vršič Association entitled The Silver Bird from under Jalovec – the B-24G Liberator Aircraft 42-78259 and Its Crew. The guest exhibition serves as a complement to the museum’s permanent exhibition To Hell and Back, which explores the crashes of American aircraft over the territory of present-day Slovenia during the Second World War.

At the heart of the exhibition lies the story of the American B-24 Liberator bomber, which took off on 22 November 1944 from Pantanella Airfield in southern Italy as part of the 780th Bombardment Squadron. Due to adverse weather conditions, the squadron was redirected towards Salzburg. While flying over the Julian Alps, the aircraft was hit and subsequently crashed between Mount Jalovec and the Kot Saddle.

The exhibition was curated by Dr Uroš Košir and Aleš Bedič from the Vršič Association for the Research and Study of Military and Technical Heritage. It is the result of their many years of dedicated research. The Park of Military History has been cooperating with both authors for several years; in 2021, Mr Bedič also contributed to the enhancement of the permanent exhibition To Hell and Back.

The opening ceremony featured addresses by the Director of the Park of Military History, Mag. Janko Boštjančič, the exhibition’s author, Dr Uroš Košir, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Kranjska Gora, Mrs Henrika Zupan, who officially inaugurated the exhibition. The event was accompanied by a short musical performance by Silvo Čelhar.

The event was attended by several distinguished guests, including the United States Defence Attaché to Slovenia, Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Mayeda, the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Pivka, Mrs Majda Godina, and the Director of the Pivka Tourism Institute, Mrs Jana Gržinič.

The exhibition, accompanied by a display case, enhances the existing museum content, which addresses the stories of more than 260 aircraft that crashed over present-day Slovenia during the Second World War – among them 142 American planes. Through such exhibitions, the Park of Military History continues its efforts to research and preserve military heritage.

Sincere thanks are extended to the Vršič Association and to both authors of the exhibition.