Žminj, a town with a rich history, was inhabited since prehistoric times and first mentioned in 1178. Over the centuries, it played a crucial role in transportation, with roads that remained important until today. In the 19th century, it became a trading center, dealing in various products such as wine, wood, and livestock, and was known for stone processing, especially the Žminj "škarpelini".
Žminj had a significant military role as an Austrian fortress; in the 15th century, a castle was built, with two towers on the eastern rampart and buildings within the courtyard. Notable are three churches adorned with frescoes - the Church of the Holy Trinity from 1471, the Church of the Holy Cross, and the Church of Saint Anthony the Abbot dating back to 1381. At the entrance to the town is the Church of Saint Bartolomew, around which the traditional Bartulja festival is held every last Saturday of August. Below the town lies the Calvary, erected in 1728, with three crosses on the hill, once a place of blessing for a good harvest.
The heritage of Žminj includes its unique dialect, protected as intangible cultural heritage of Croatia, and the traditional Bartulja festival. The library in Žminj, known as Čakavska kuća, was established in 2002 after years of efforts by activists of the Čakavian Parliament. Also, the Žminj ring and earring, found in an early Croatian cemetery in Žminj in the mid-20th century, are popular souvenirs whose replicas are sold as decorative items and are protected in the Register of Cultural Goods of Croatia. The "Feštinsko kraljevstvo" in the village of Feštini near Žminj attracts visitors with its cave, while the Istrian Pasta Festival takes place at the end of June, gathering pasta and gastronomy lovers from all over Croatia.
Žminj, with its rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, offers an unforgettable experience to visitors eager to explore the unique beauty of Istria.
Real Estate Market in Žminj – Attractive Opportunities in the Heart of Istria
Why Žminj is becoming increasingly popular for property buyers?
Located in the
heart of Istria, Žminj is attracting more and more buyers looking for a
peaceful lifestyle with excellent access to the rest of the peninsula. Thanks to its central location, coastal towns like Rovinj, Poreč or Pula are less than 30 minutes away. In addition, Žminj offers
authentic Istrian charm, bike trails, local festivals and a rich cultural and gastronomic scene. All of this makes Žminj ideal not only for family life but also for investment in
tourist real estate.
Real estate in Žminj – what can you buy?
The
real estate offer in Žminj is diverse – from renovated stone houses and building plots to newly built homes and apartments. With a growing number of buyers and active development planning, the selection expands each year. Explore the current listings on our page
Real-estate Žminj, where you can filter by type, location, and budget. Žminj is especially attractive for those seeking a combination of nature, peace, and central positioning.
Houses for sale in Žminj – from traditional to modern
The
houses for sale in Žminj include charming
stone villas with pools suitable for tourist rental, as well as comfortable family homes. New construction projects, both single-storey and multi-level, are on the rise, offering modern design and functionality. Compare options at
Houses for sale Žminj – whether you're looking for a luxury villa or a fixer-upper, you’ll find it here.
Apartments for sale in lively Žminj – a growing market
While the
apartment offer in Žminj is more limited than in coastal towns, there is a visible rise in new residential buildings.
Modern apartments are ideal for young families or long-term rental investments. Competitive prices, good infrastructure, and proximity to schools and kindergartens increase the area’s appeal. Check out what’s currently available at
Apartments for sale Žminj.
Land plots – great opportunities for building and investment
Žminj offers a variety of
building plots, suitable for
family houses, vacation homes, villas with pools, or business premises. Some plots already have building permits, while others are part of local zoning plans. See our curated selection on
Land plots for sale Žminj and find the ideal location for your future property.
Affordable prices compared to coastal areas
One of the key advantages of
buying property in Žminj is the
significantly lower price compared to coastal towns. For example, a house with a yard in Žminj can cost half as much as in Rovinj. Buyers get more space and privacy for the same budget. Also,
rising demand in central Istria suggests long-term value growth.
Renting opportunities – a niche with potential
Inland Istria tourism is booming among guests seeking
authentic experiences and peace. Villas with pools in Žminj already achieve
good occupancy rates from April to October. While the season is shorter than on the coast,
longer stays and additional content like cycling routes, local food and adventure parks attract niche guests – often with higher per-night spending.
Nearby municipalities – expanding your options
Those considering Žminj often also explore nearby areas that offer similar benefits:
–
Kanfanar – closer to the sea, yet peaceful
–
Sveti Petar u Šumi – a smaller, authentic rural community
–
Svetvinčenat – known for cultural events and historic architecture
–
Barban – perfect for lovers of horses, nature and sports
–
Gračišće – a medieval village with amazing viewpoints
–
Pazin – the regional center, with great infrastructure and schools
Each of these places offers its own advantages, but they all share the
authentic Istrian lifestyle and proximity to the coast and major roads.
