The Brezovljani archaeological site was discovered in 1971 during road-widening works in Prvi Brezovljani, also known as Mihajlici. This discovery gives the municipality a tangible starting point for exploring its past. However, the character of the area extends far beyond archaeology: the Municipality of Sveti Ivan Žabno lies in the southwest of Koprivnica-Križevci County, in the Križevačko prigorje. Gentle hills, fertile farmland and the region’s natural landscape shape its character. Here, cultural heritage meets a landscape that is part of the rural Prigorje.
Between Prigorje and Bilogora
The municipality is conveniently located between Zagreb, Križevci, Bjelovar and Koprivnica, and forms an important link between the Prigorje and Bilogora areas. This location helps orient visitors within the region, without implying a specific route or travel time. The administrative, economic and social centre of the municipality is the settlement of Sveti Ivan Žabno. The municipal administration, educational and healthcare facilities, other public services and numerous associations are located there. This is a useful reference point for travellers seeking to understand the role of the municipality’s namesake settlement.
Churches and cultural heritage across several settlements
The parish church of St John the Baptist stands in the centre of Sveti Ivan Žabno and is considered the most valuable monument in the immediate area. In Trema, the church of St Juliana dates from the 16th to 17th centuries and has fully retained its original appearance. In Cirkvena, the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the parish house are registered as immovable individual cultural monuments under number Z-3115. In Sveti Petar Čvrstec, the church of St Peter and Paul bears registration number Z-2311 and is also registered as an immovable individual cultural monument.
These sites illustrate different aspects of religious heritage: a church in the main settlement, a building from a specified historical period, and registered monuments in other settlements. Visitors interested in churches and regional history can use these differences as a thread connecting places across the municipality. The Brezovljani site adds an archaeological discovery story to the picture, having come to light during roadworks in 1971.
Musical traditions and community celebrations
The vocal and tamburica ensemble Tomislav was founded in 1925 and remains active as part of KUD Tomislav. A specific glimpse of the international cultural programme came on the second evening of the 19th International Folklore Festival “Iz bakine škrinje” in July 2026. Folklore groups from Mexico, Chile, Slovakia, Austria and Croatia performed at the sports hall of “Grigor Vitez” Primary School in Sveti Ivan Žabno. Participants included “Bailando por Mexico”, Mahia Rapa Nui, the Hont Folklore Ensemble, Hajdenjaki and the host, KUD “Tomislav” Sveti Ivan Žabno. This describes that festival evening; it does not imply a repeat or a future edition.
Another expression of community life is “Svetoivanjski dani”: the traditional celebration lasts three days, takes place around 24 June and features a varied programme. Together with the ensemble’s continuing tradition, these details offer an impression of how culture in the municipality is shaped by both musical groups and community events.
A destination for an outing in nature
The family outing destination Obiteljsko izletište Novak is located in Cepidlak and is suitable for day trips in nature. It includes a children’s playground and a small zoo with horses and other animals. This makes Novak different from the municipality’s cultural sites: the focus here is on an outing in the countryside, play opportunities and animals. These features offer another specific point of interest if you would like to include a destination for an outing in nature alongside archaeological traces, churches and music.
Discover more destinations: Municipality of Rasinja, Municipality of Koprivnica, Municipality of Molve, Municipality of Kalnik, Municipality of Drnje, Municipality of Legrad, Municipality of Križevci.
For the regional travel overview: Koprivnica-Križevci County.
