Municipality of Sveti Ivan Žabno: Hills, Folklore and Prehistory

Gentle hills, fertile farmland and an archaeological site dating back about 7,000 years give the Municipality of Sveti Ivan Žabno a distinctive character. The municipality lies in the southwest of Koprivnica-Križevci County and is part of Križevačko prigorje. Churches, folklore and a nature-focused family excursion destination add specific points of interest to the landscape for your stay.

Getting your bearings between Prigorje and Bilogora

Gentle Prigorje hills, fertile farmland and the natural landscape of Križevačko prigorje define the municipality. Its administrative, economic and social centre is Sveti Ivan Žabno. The municipal administration, educational and health institutions, other public services and numerous associations are based there.

Two details help place the municipality in its regional context: it is well connected by road between Zagreb, Križevci, Bjelovar and Koprivnica, and it also forms an important link between Prigorje and Bilogora. Urban reference points are thus complemented by a landscape that extends from Križevačko prigorje to the Bilogora area.

Brezovljani: Traces of prehistory

The Brezovljani archaeological site was discovered in 1971 during road-widening works in Prvi Brezovljani, also known as Mihajlici. It dates to the transition from the Middle to the Late Neolithic and is estimated to be about 7,000 years old; research into it is ongoing.

The two time periods can be clearly distinguished: 1971 marks the date of discovery, while the approximate age refers to the site's prehistoric dating. Brezovljani therefore offers a tangible point of interest for travellers interested in prehistory.

Churches and cultural life

The parish church of St John the Baptist stands in the centre of Sveti Ivan Žabno. It is considered the most valuable monument in the immediate area. Other churches and monuments are located in other settlements in the municipality: in Sveti Petar Čvrstec, the Church of St Peter and St Paul is registered as an immovable individual cultural property under registration number Z-2311. In Cirkvena, the Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the parish house are registered as immovable individual cultural properties under Z-3115.

The Church of St Juliana in Trema dates from the 16th to 17th century and has fully retained its original appearance. These locations distinguish the centrally situated parish church from the cultural monuments in Sveti Petar Čvrstec and Cirkvena, as well as the historic building in Trema.

Music and folklore are also part of cultural life. Founded in 1925, the singing and tamburica ensemble Tomislav is now active within KUD Tomislav. Svetoivanjski dani is a traditional three-day municipal celebration held around 24 June, with a varied programme.

On the second evening of the 19th International Folklore Festival “Iz bakine škrinje”, folklore groups from Mexico, Chile, Slovakia, Austria and Croatia performed in July 2026 at the sports hall of “Grigor Vitez” Primary School. The performers included the host, KUD “Tomislav” Sveti Ivan Žabno. This particular festival evening adds an international programme to the longstanding local ensemble tradition.

Nature- and family-oriented excursions

The family excursion destination Obiteljsko izletište Novak is located in Cepidlak and is suitable for day trips in nature. The site includes a children's playground and a small zoo with horses and other animals. Alongside the churches and prehistoric heritage, it offers an outing focused on nature and animals.

There is also a children's playground in the town of Sveti Ivan Žabno. A report dated 31 July 2025 noted that the playground had received new, safety-certified play equipment designed for different age groups.

Discover more destinations: Sveti Ivan Žabno, Municipality of Sveti Petar Orehovec, Municipality of Sokolovac, Municipality of Rasinja, Municipality of Gola, Municipality of Kloštar Podravski, Municipality of Koprivnica, Municipality of Molve.

For the broader travel overview: Koprivnica-Križevci County.