Žužemberk: The Town of Knights, Iron and the First Slovenian Star in Hollywood
Žužemberk may be best known for its mighty medieval castle perched above the emerald Krka River, but this historic town is also the birthplace of remarkable stories that reach far beyond Slovenia’s borders – including the journey of the first Slovenian actress to make it in Hollywood: Zalla Zarana.
Born Rozalija Sršen in Žužemberk in 1897, she set sail for America at the age of just 16, chasing dreams across the Atlantic. Life in San Francisco wasn’t easy, especially with no English and no profession, but Rozalija’s perseverance would eventually take her all the way to the silver screens of Hollywood. Reinvented as Zalla Zarana – a name that sounds like a poetic sunrise in Slovenian – she starred in 20 silent films, playing bold and seductive roles, cabaret singers and even cowgirls in westerns. Her most acclaimed performance came in The Snow, directed by Tod Browning, and she counted comedy legends Laurel and Hardy among her friends.
Like many stars of the silent era, her career faded with the arrival of sound film. She later married an American ironware merchant and lived a quiet life until her passing in 1967. Zalla Zarana is buried in Hollywood, but her legacy lives on in Žužemberk, where a commemorative plaque now marks her childhood home at Breg 21.
From Glamour to Iron: A Legacy Forged in Fire
Just a few kilometres away, in Dvor pri Žužemberku, the town’s industrial roots are on proud display. In the 19th century, the Auersperg Iron Foundry was the most important foundry in the Slovenian lands of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Operating from 1796 to 1891, it produced everything from artistic castings to iron bridge elements — including pieces for Ljubljana’s famous Shoemaker's Bridge.
Today, the restored foundry complex houses theNatura 2000 Interpretive Information Centre Natura 2000, where visitors can explore the local Krka River ecosystem and learn about the fascinating history of iron production in the region. A preserved outdoor blacksmith’s hearth and a private museum collection featuring original foundry artifacts offer a tangible link to Žužemberk’s industrial past.
Žužemberk: Where Legends Are Forged
Whether you come to walk among knights and castle walls, explore Slovenia’s iron-making legacy, or uncover the trail of a forgotten film star, Žužemberk invites you to step into stories that continue to inspire. Here’s a suggestion of what you can experience during a brief yet unforgettable visit.
This article is part of an exciting partnership with with the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia, of which Žužemberk is also a member. The partnership aims to bring you captivating stories from the historical towns nestled across Slovenia. As a regular feature of News from Slovenia, delivered to our valued subscribers, readers can expect to discover exciting stories from these timeless cities in the coming months. The contents and photos for this article were provided by the Association of Historical Towns of Slovenia and The Žužemberk Tourism Board.
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Alma is a ChatGPT-based virtual travel guide designed to help you find information and inspiration for your next visit to Slovenia. She is full of ideas for great experiences, knows Slovenian destinations and the variety of activities you are particularly interested in, so she can offer you personalised content and inspiring stories available on the official slovenia.info tourism portal.
Our virtual advisor was inspired by the intrepid world traveller Alma M. Karlin; therefore, we named her ALMA.
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