Žejane, Mountain settlement in Matulji, Croatia
Zejane is a mountain settlement in Matulji situated at approximately 618 meters elevation near the Slovenian border. The village sits in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and is home to a small residential population.
The municipality of Matulji, which includes this settlement, first appeared in written records during the 17th century. The area developed over centuries as a small mountain community in this border region.
Local residents maintain Istro-Romanian traditions and celebrate carnival festivities throughout the year. These practices shape daily life and make the community stand out in the region.
The settlement can be reached through several international border crossings and lies relatively close to the Opatija-Matulji railway station. Visitors should expect limited services typical of a small mountain village.
The settlement remains one of the last places where Istro-Romanian is spoken, with approximately 130 speakers maintaining this rare language. This tongue exists nowhere else in the world, making the community linguistically remarkable.
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