Fertile fields, a 13th-century parish church and local produce give Žman several distinctive features. The village lies in Žmančica Bay, surrounded by the hills of Gračine, Veliki Slotnjak and Mali Slotnjak. If you’re planning a stay, you can get to know Žman through its landscape, history and agriculture.
Landscape and village character
The fertile fields around Malo jezero and Veliko jezero shape Žman’s agricultural landscape. Together with the bay and the three named hills, they provide different points of reference for the village: the bay and hills describe its geographic setting, while the fields highlight its agricultural character. If you consider landscape and land use first when choosing a destination, the fields are a particularly distinctive feature of Žman.
Church and local produce
The parish church of St John in Žman dates back to the 13th century. There are also prehistoric archaeological sites nearby. This brings together two distinct periods in the village’s history: prehistoric sites and a medieval church. For travellers interested in cultural history, together they offer a striking glimpse into the village’s past.
Agriculture is also reflected in local products: visitors may find locally produced wine, cheese and olive oil, all associated with Žman’s farming community. The specific selection may vary. These products add a culinary dimension to the village’s agricultural character and offer a different way to experience it than the church and archaeological sites.
More landscapes in Općina Sali
In the wider destination of Općina Sali, Telašćica Bay was declared a nature park in 1988. The nature park includes quiet beaches and steep cliffs. In Saljsko polje, the area was protected as a special botanical reserve in 1969; olive trees up to 700 years old grow there. These landscapes and protected areas provide a regional context that differs from Žman’s local features. Sali is the settlement closest to Telašćica Nature Park.
Sali offers another cultural perspective in Općina Sali: the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary has a monumental wooden high altar dating from the 17th century. The Church of St John in Sali, in Stivanje polje, is first mentioned in written records in 1064 or 1065. As a regional point of reference, it should be distinguished from the parish church of St John in Žman, which dates back to the 13th century.
Cycling route and festival traditions
An older tourist map gives the length of cycling route No. 13 as 7.9 km. The route runs from Sali via Vela Ploča and Čuh Polje to Dugonjive and Mala Proversa. As the map is out of date, check the route conditions locally before planning your ride.
Saljske užance is a three-day local festival in Sali that has been held for more than 50 years. Tovareća mužika uses a variety of drums and old iron irons filled with pebbles as percussion instruments. Budnica is associated with Sunday morning during Saljske užance. During the festival, Tovareća mužika makes several appearances throughout the village, stopping at different places to perform.
Discover more destinations: Veli Rat, Zaglav, Savar, Sali, Dragove, Brbinj, Bozava, Brgulje.
For the broader travel overview: Općina Sali.
