MUNICIPALITY OF HRPELJE-KOZINA
Mr Valter Valenčič from Koper kindly provided us with information about the first known mention of the Javorje village. He was given permission to view written materials at the Institute of History of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts.
The writings were discovered by the historian Prof Milko Kos who published them in Volume 12 of the “Izvestja muzejskega društva za Kranjsko” publication of the museum society, issued in 1902. There it says:
A notarial deed from Cividale del Friuli, dated 5 May 1391, states as follows:
“Jurij from Arson” declared in his will, among others, that his daughter Pyrina would inherit 150 marks as a dowry and for her ‘nuptial dress’ which would be provided from several estates, including the one in “Javorje near Podgrad (im dorf Jaweriach pey Newnhaus)”.
A notarial deed from Gorizia, dated 19 June 1405, again stated the name of the Javorje village in relation to the abovementioned inheritance, namely “Lawriach bey dem Newnhaus”.
JAVORJE is a frequent name of places in Slovenia, namely eight villages bear this name.
There are also two Javorje villages in Croatia and one in Serbia.
Today, Javorje has about 130 inhabitants.
The highest point of the village is located near the church at 614 metres above sea level.
AND THE NAME OF THE VILLAGE:
Even before the Turks invaded this territory, an important well-trafficked road passed through Javorje, connecting the seaside and the Dolenjska region. As the area was full of streams and forests, people began to settle in.
Close to where the church stands today, a giant maple tree once grew and notable villagers used to gather beneath it. A horse fair also took place here.
At the edge of Javorje a dense maple forest grew. Legend says one could reach the neighbouring village of Brezovo Brdo only by swinging from one tree branch to another.
1977. Some scenes of the British-German war film “Cross of Iron” were filmed at the location of Jezerina. The film was directed by Sam Peckinpah. The leading roles were played by James Coburn and James Mason. Some villagers from Javorje played extras in the film.
In 2005 a community centre was built in Javorje, with the support of the Municipality of Hrpelje - Kozina and the then mayor Albert Pečar, including a boules court and a sports field. The villagers built these facilities with countless hours of voluntary work. The construction works and related activities were managed by the villager Marjan Maslo who can, along with the dedicated villagers, take the credit for all of these achievements..
At that time, an idea emerged to establish the Javorje Sport and Cultural Society (ŠKD Javorje). The idea gained support and thus the Javorje Sport and Cultural Society has been operating for ten years now.
The first Chairman was Marjan Maslo.
So far, the Society has organised various cultural, sports and entertainment events, communal work, excursions etc.
Today, the Society has 67 members. The current Chairman is Andrej Ljubič.
The members’ initial enthusiasm has diminished slightly with time. Yet we are still active. We organise various events and especially communal work campaigns that are attended by numerous villagers.
Contacts:
vasja.valencic@gmail.com
gombac@gmail.com
vladka.ceglar@siol.net
