Žrnovo: Nature, Cultural Heritage and Tradition

Get to know Žrnovo through its landscape, cultural sites and living traditions. A special forest reserve, a botanical trail, historic sites, an ethnographic collection and local events give the village several distinct highlights. When planning your stay, you can decide whether you would most like to explore protected vegetation, historic landmarks, traditional culture or regional cuisine.

Forest Reserve and Botanical Trail

Kočje in Žrnovo is a distinctive forest vegetation reserve and has been protected since 1962. Check access conditions if you are planning a visit. The Pavja Luka botanical trail in Žrnovo is 3.3 kilometres long. Typical Mediterranean woodland vegetation and preserved holm oak stands can be found along the trail. The information boards along the trail have been renewed.

Cultural Sites and History

Kazalište u Pavuleta is a historic theatre in Postrana, a hamlet of Žrnovo. Founded in 1921, it developed into a cultural centre and meeting place for the residents of Postrana and Žrnovo. The theatre’s history therefore links a specific founding date with its role in the community life of both places.

The Church of St Martin also contributes to Žrnovo’s historic character. It is located between the hamlets; the church is mentioned in a source dating from the 14th century. It contains Baroque altars carved locally. Žrnovo’s cultural heritage also includes the archaeological site of Jakasova Cave, several churches and the remains of a Roman cistern.

In Postrana, the Pavle Šain ethnographic collection is housed in an old stone house whose original features have been preserved. The collection includes a hand-operated stone grain mill and an animal-powered olive press. The equipment illustrates traditional methods of grinding and pressing. Visits are possible by prior arrangement. From the road, access is via steep lanes and stone-paved steps; take this terrain into account when planning your visit.

Moštra, Makarunada and Local Cuisine

Moštra is a traditional cultural practice celebrated especially in Žrnovo. Performances take place at village festivals and religious holidays. Specific dates may vary. If you would like to experience Moštra, check the festival dates during your trip.

The traditional Makarunada features tastings and workshops on how to make Žrnovo makaruni. Dates and the programme may change; check the announced dates if you plan to attend the event. Žrnovo makaruni are handmade pasta made from flour, eggs, oil and water, served with meat sauce. The Makarunada offers a way to get to know the local food culture through both the dish and the activities on offer.

Exploring by Bicycle

Two named routes are described differently for cyclists looking to find their way. Official Route 2, “Eno gastro”, passes through Prvo Selo, Žrnovo, Kampuš and Postrana. The route named “Žrnovo” is a 17.4-kilometre loop. For the first route, the named places provide specific landmarks; for the loop, the emphasis is on its length and circular layout. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Lumbarda, Pupnat, Korcula, Kneza, Zavalatica, Čara, Racisce, Babina

For the broader travel overview: Općina Korčula.