Žerovnica: Village History, Cultural Heritage and Nature around Lake Cerknica

Žerovnica is a two-row roadside village in a beautiful setting with fields and a stream that does not dry up even during severe drought. The Žerovniščica stream rises below Žerunšček near Veselova jama. This brings together landscape, water and a settlement history extending back to archaeology in the village’s character.

Nature

The Lake Cerknica area in the wider regional surroundings of Žerovnica is designated as a Ramsar wetland and a Natura 2000 site. More than 270 bird species have been recorded in the wider regional surroundings of Žerovnica around Lake Cerknica. A circular route on an unpaved road through the Lake Cerknica area leads through Otok, Laze pri Gornjem Jezeru, Gornje Jezero, Goričice, Lipsenj, Žerovnica, Grahovo and Martinjak, and then back to Cerknica.

Culture and History

Near Žerovnica, archaeologists discovered a settlement on Žerunšček that may date from the Late Bronze Age, approximately 1300 to 800 BC. A statuette of the god Mars made from a bronze alloy was found at the Žerunšček archaeological settlement. Other finds include bronze sickle fragments, socketed axes and metal ingots from the Late Bronze Age. An iron movable cheek piece from a Celtic helmet, an iron spearhead and iron nails from the footwear of Roman soldiers were also discovered there.

The “Cerkev sv. Pavla” church in Žerovnica is mentioned as early as the 15th century. It is an immovable cultural heritage site; its EŠD number is 1827. The high altar was created by the sculptor Andrej Rovšek Jr. In the past, cattle markets were held on the church hill on four dates each year: on the Monday after Epiphany, on 14 February, on the Wednesday before Pentecost and on 15 December.

Other preserved cultural monuments in the village include Mekavčev mlin, a built heritage site, and Herblanova kašča, a granary designated as built heritage. Landoucou is one of the five mills and sawmills along the Žerovniščica stream. More recent history is also present by the stream: in July 1942, Italian soldiers deported 52 men to the concentration camp on Rab. The victims are commemorated by a large, irregularly broken, upright natural-stone monument with a red dedication and the names of those killed from Žerovnica and the surrounding area during the Second World War. It was unveiled on 14 July 1959, based on plans by Anton Bitenc and Alenka Lenarčič.

Regional Cuisine

Žerovnica is considered a tourist village known for specialties from farm tourism. Kmetija Logar welcomes groups of up to 15 people and prepares lunches and desserts. It serves its own products and typical dishes from Inner Carniola.

Other Places

Other places: Cerknica, Iga Vas, Gorenje Jezero, Markovec, Kozarišče, Stari Trg Pri Ložu, Dane, Rakek.

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Cerknica.