Žerovnica: Village Character, Stream Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Žerovnica is a two-row street village in a beautiful setting, with fields and a stream that does not dry up even during severe drought. In addition to the landscape, archaeological finds, architectural heritage and regional cuisine shape the character of the village.

Village Character and Stream Landscape

The Žerovniščica stream rises below Žerunšček, near Veselova jama.

The village itself also has a clear layout: Žerovnica is characterised as a two-row street village. Žerovnica lies in beautiful surroundings beside a stream that does not dry up even during severe drought.

Archaeology and Architectural Heritage

Near Žerovnica, archaeologists discovered a settlement on Žerunšček that may date from the Late Bronze Age, around 1300 to 800 BC. The finds include bronze sickle fragments, socketed axes and metal ingots.

A statuette of the god Mars, made from a bronze alloy, was also found at the archaeological settlement. Other finds include an iron movable cheekpiece from a Celtic helmet, an iron spearhead and iron hobnails from Roman soldiers’ footwear.

Several different examples form part of the architectural heritage. Mekavčev mlin in Žerovnica is a protected cultural heritage site. Herblanova kašča is a granary designated as architectural heritage. Landoucou is one of the five mills and sawmills along the Žerovniščica stream. These names point to different aspects of the local built heritage, from the granary to the mills and sawmills named along the stream.

The Church of St Paul (Cerkev sv. Pavla) in Žerovnica is mentioned as early as the 15th century. It is an immovable cultural heritage site; its EŠD number is 1827. The main altar was created by sculptor Andrej Rovšek ml.

Memorial Stone Beside the Stream

A large, upright natural stone monument beside the stream commemorates those from Žerovnica and the surrounding area who fell in the Second World War. The stone is irregularly broken; a red dedication and the names of the fallen are part of the monument. It was unveiled on 14 July 1959, based on plans by Anton Bitenc and Alenka Lenarčič.

Second World War History

In July 1942, Italian soldiers deported 52 men to the concentration camp on Rab. This account represents a distinct part of the village’s Second World War history.

Regional Cuisine and Group Visits

Žerovnica is considered a tourist village and is known for its farm-tourism specialities. If you would like to include regional cuisine in your travel plans, Kmetija Logar is a specific local option.

Kmetija Logar welcomes groups of up to 15 people and prepares lunch and desserts. It serves its own produce and typical dishes from Inner Carniola. If you are arranging a group visit, confirm the details before arrival; dishes may change.

Nature and Routes in the Wider Area

The Cerkniško jezero area in the wider region around Žerovnica is designated as a Ramsar wetland and a Natura 2000 site. More than 270 bird species have been recorded around Cerkniško jezero.

A circular route along an unpaved road passes through Otok, Laze pri Gornjem Jezeru, Gornje Jezero, Goričice, Lipsenj, Žerovnica, Grahovo and Martinjak, before returning to Cerknica. This clearly sets out both the route and the sequence of the places mentioned for your planning. Check the surface conditions and your bearings locally.

Discover more destinations: Gorenje Jezero, Radlek, Grahovo, Dane, Iga Vas, Runarsko, Rakek, Kozarišče.

For the main travel overview: Cerknica.