Archaeological Park Divje Babe declared a monument of national importance.
The Government of the Republic of Slovenia, at the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, has declared the Archaeological Park Divje babe a cultural monument of national importance. This decision reinforces the significance of one of Europe's most valuable Paleolithic sites and comes in the year we mark 30 years since the discovery of the exceptional Neanderthal flute – the oldest known musical instrument in the world.
The Archaeological Park Divje babe is located on a steep rocky slope below the Šebreljska Plateau, above the valley of the Idrijca River. At its center is Divje babe I Cave, one of the most important Paleolithic sites, where layers dating from approximately 35,000 to 116,000 years old have been explored. The site offers exceptional insights into the lives of the last Neanderthals and the first anatomically modern humans. Several successive settlement horizons have been discovered, along with a rich collection of stone and bone tools, remains of hearths, and bones of more than 60 species of animals, all testifying to the harsh conditions of the Ice Age.
Among the most important finds stands out a flute approximately 60,000 years old, made from the bone of a young cave bear. It is the oldest known musical instrument in the world, which is why Divje babe is often called the cradle of world music. The site is also one of the richest sources of data on Pleistocene fauna, flora, and climate in the area of present-day Slovenia.
At the declaration, the Minister of Culture, Dr. Asta Vrečko, emphasized:
"Divje babe are important not only for understanding our past but for understanding humanity as a whole. The declaration ensures the long-term preservation and accessibility of this exceptional heritage."
The importance of the declaration was also highlighted by the Mayor of the Municipality of Cerkno, Gašper Uršič, who said:
"As the Mayor of the Municipality of Cerkno, I am exceptionally proud of today's declaration of the Archaeological Park Divje babe as a cultural monument of national importance. This significant decision represents recognition of the invaluable value of our Paleolithic site, which is recognized at home and abroad for its archaeological riches. Sincere thanks to the Ministry of Culture for support throughout the entire process and to all collaborators at the Cerkno Tourism Institute, who led this process. Both for their decisive role in preparing the management plan and for the long-term care of the management and development of the park, which was one of the key factors in obtaining the highest level of protection. I am convinced that this new status will enhance the reputation of Divje babe and also further encourage the sustainable development of our region. Together with the local community, we will continue to care for the preservation and presentation of this heritage to future generations."
With the declaration of the monument, the highest level of protection is ensured, as well as planned, sustainable management, which remains under the auspices of the Cerkno Tourism Institute. Tours of the interior of Divje babe I Cave will continue to be possible only guided and under professional supervision, in accordance with conservation and nature conservation guidelines.
The declaration of the Archaeological Park Divje babe as a cultural monument of national importance is an important step towards the comprehensive protection of one of Slovenia's most valuable archaeological sites and a significant contribution to the preservation of world prehistory heritage. For the Cerkno Tourism Institute, it represents a responsible opportunity to bring the story of Divje babe – the story of music, humans, and millennia of evolution – closer to an even wider circle of visitors.
Source:
https://www.visitcerkno.si/arheoloski-park-divje-babe-razglasen-za-spomenik-drzavnega-pomena/