Situla of Novo mesto for the winner of last stage

Winner of the final stage of this year's Tour of Slovenia will get the Situla of Novo mesto. Bronze situlae are the most important archaeological findings and reason that put Novo mesto among the most important prehistoric sites.

Situlae art, which began to flourish in the 7th century BC in northern Italy, south-east Alpine region and Istria, was interrupted by Celtic invasion of these territories. Its importance lies in the artistic depiction of human and animal figures that were hammered out and engraved into thin sheets of bronze. These artefacts represent part of Slovenia's most important and valuable archaeological heritage. In Novo mesto – The Town of Situlae – 18 bronze situlae have been excavated to date, nine of which are figurally decorated. Its rich history has given the town its name NOVO MESTO, The Town of SITULAE.