Žminj () is a village and a municipality in Istria, west Croatia, 15 km south of Pazin.
The town is located on a limestone hill between the Lim valley and the Raša valley, 355 meters above sea level. Its economy is based on farming and livestock breeding. Žminj is located at the intersection of regional roads to Pazin, Kanfanar, Svetvinčenat and Labin. This part of Istria has a number of tourist attractions, landscapes and the remnants of cultural heritage from all ages (such as a tower Citadel in the old town).
History The municipality has a population of 3,360, and was first mentioned in 1177 as a parish of the Poreč diocese. Since 1368, Žminj has belonged to the County of Pazin. In the center of the city is the baroque, three-aisled Parish Church of St. Michael's Church built in 1625.
Demographics According to the 2021 census, its population was 3,360, with 826 living in the town proper. It was 3,483 in 2011.
The municipality consists of the following settlements:
Balići I, population 64 Benčići, population 112 Cere, population 140 Debeljuhi, population 113 Domijanići, population 125 Gradišće, population 45 Gržini, population 133 Jurići, population 89 Karlovići, population 40 Klimni, population 65 Krajcar Breg, population 48 Krculi, population 126 Kresini, population 14 Križanci, population 141 Krničari, population 65 Kršanci, population 64 Laginji, population 134 Matijaši, population 47 Modrušani, population 129 Mužini, population 88 Orbanići, population 57 Pamići, population 117 Pifari, population 30 Prkačini, population 37 Pucići, population 28 Rudani, population 110 Šivati, population 68 Tomišići, population 132 Vadediji, population 58 Vidulini, population 49 Zeci, population 31 Žagrići, population 35 Žminj, population 826
Notable people Gabrijela Galant Jelenić, musician, grew up in Žminj.
Tourism Žminj and its surroundings are used hiking and cycling tours, as well as for agritourism, which developed in many of the surrounding villages. Žminj is the traditional host of the Bartulja festival. Held at the end of August, this festival is dedicated to St. Bartholomew, patron of Žminj (in the church of St. Bartholomew).
Other traditional events are the Chakavian Assembly, a contest of young poets and reciters of poetry in the Chakavian dialect (in June) and the Harmonica Wedding, a competition in accordion-playing (in July).
Žminj is also known for its agricultural fair which takes place every second Wednesday in the month.
Exquisite specialities of Istrian cuisine: "maneštra" (minestra), sausages with cabbage, venison with "fuži" (a kind of pasta), "supa" (crisp bread in red wine, with olive-oil and pepper) and the famous wines, teran and malmsey.
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