Žirovnica, Žirovnica


Žirovnica is a settlement in northwestern Slovenia, in the Municipality of Žirovnica. It is located in the historic Upper Carniola region, on the southern slope of the Karavanks mountain range, close to the border with Austria.

Name

Žirovnica was first attested in written sources in 1253 as Zarnonize. The name developed from *Žьrnovьnica, derived from žьrny 'quern', a metaphorical reference to the shape of the valley where it is located. In the past the German name was Scheraunitz.

History

During the Second World War, a battle took place between German units and the Partisan Cankar Brigade on 20 February 1942 on nearby Mount Stol, during which the Prešeren Lodge was also burned. The Partisans burned the wooden railway station in the town on 13 September 1942. After the Second World War, a Yugoslav labor camp for political prisoners operated in Žirovnica.

Notable people

Notable people that were born or lived in Žirovnica include: