Žerovnica is a double-row street village in a beautiful setting, with fields and a stream that does not dry up even during severe drought. Water, settlement pattern and local history give the village several facets: the Žerovniščica has a named spring area, and archaeological traces have been discovered on Žerunšček.

Village Layout and Stream

The Žerovniščica rises below Žerunšček, near Veselova jama. The fact that the stream does not dry up even during severe drought is a distinctive detail in descriptions of the local landscape. The name Žerunšček also appears in archaeology, linking the natural setting with a long history evidenced by finds.

Archaeological Traces and Village History

Near Žerovnica, archaeologists discovered a settlement on Žerunšček that may date from the Late Bronze Age, around 1300 to 800 BC. Finds there include a statuette of the god Mars made from a bronze alloy, as well as bronze sickle fragments, socketed axes and metal ingots from the Late Bronze Age. Other finds include a movable iron cheekpiece from a Celtic helmet, an iron spearhead and iron nails from the footwear of Roman soldiers. The finds represent different cultural connections and make the archaeological site particularly rich in facets.

The Church of St Paul (Cerkev sv. Pavla) is also part of the village’s history: it is mentioned as early as the 15th century. Its main altar was created by the sculptor Andrej Rovšek ml. The church is listed as immovable cultural heritage and bears EŠD number 1827.

Cattle fairs used to be held on the church hill on four dates each year: the Monday after Epiphany, 14 February, the Wednesday before Pentecost and 15 December. These dates are part of the village’s history; they do not indicate current market days.

Architectural Heritage and Remembrance

Other examples of architectural heritage include Mekavčev mlin, a heritage building in Žerovnica, and Herblanova kašča, a granary listed as architectural heritage. Landoucou is one of the five mills and sawmills on the Žerovniščica. Together, these names show how closely the village’s architectural heritage and the history of its waters are connected in the village’s story.

Another chapter of remembrance concerns the Second World War. In July 1942, Italian soldiers deported 52 men to the concentration camp on Rab. Beside the stream, a large, upright natural-stone monument with an irregular broken form and a red inscription commemorates those killed from Žerovnica and the surrounding area; their names are inscribed on the monument. It was unveiled on 14 July 1959, based on designs by Anton Bitenc and Alenka Lenarčič.

Traditional Farm Specialities and Regional Nature

Žerovnica is considered a tourist village known for its farm tourism specialities. Kmetija Logar welcomes groups of up to 15 people, prepares lunches and desserts, and serves its own produce as well as typical dishes from Inner Carniola. Group arrangements should be confirmed before arrival; menus may change.

The wider region also includes the area of Cerkniško jezero, designated as a Ramsar wetland and a Natura 2000 site. More than 270 bird species have been recorded around the lake; the number may change as observations continue. A circular route on an unpaved road passes through Otok, Laze pri Gornjem Jezeru, Gornje Jezero, Goričice, Lipsenj, Žerovnica, Grahovo and Martinjak, and then returns to Cerknica. Check signage and surface conditions locally.

Discover more destinations: Grahovo, Iga Vas, Rakek, Cerknica, Kozarišče, Nova Vas, Markovec, Radlek

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