Janša’s Apiary

Welcome to the world beekeeping monument – Anton Janša’s apiary in Breznica!

Near this charming location, where the apiary proudly stands today, once lived the most renowned beekeeper and the first teacher of apiculture, Anton Janša. Here, in the village beneath Stol in Breznica, he acquired beekeeping knowledge from his father and later captivated Empress Maria Theresa in Vienna with his skills, earning him the title of the first court beekeeping teacher! His birthday, May 20, is now celebrated worldwide as World Bee Day. Although Anton Janša’s birth house no longer stands, you can admire his apiary, which still proudly stands in the same spot.

Exploring the apiary, erected around 1734, provides insight into the history of beekeeping and the life of master Anton Janša. The original structure, reconstructed in 1965, underwent comprehensive restoration in 2017, using traditional and natural materials, friendly to both bees and visitors. The thatched roof and natural, compacted clay floors inside preserve the authenticity and heritage of beekeeping. Janša’s beehive is designated as a monument of local importance.

Experience the reverence for this exceptional master and his legacy when visiting Anton Janša’s beehive in Breznica!

 Content at Janša’s Apiary

• getting to know the heritage of Anton Janša – the pioneer of modern beekeeping and the first royally appointed beekeeping teacher for all Austrian lands at the imperial court in Vienna,
• a tour of memorial apiary;  a reconstruction of a traditional Slovenian apiary from the 18th century,
• discovering unique Slovenian traditional painted beehive panelswhich are a speciality of Slovenian folklore, displaying religious and historic motifs as well as stories from daily life,
• In 2018 United Nations declared Anton Janša’s birthday, 20th May as the World Bee Day,
• one of the attractions along  the Žirovnica Path of Cultural Heritage.

Price list

The apiary is freely accessible, admission free. Guided tours and tasting of local honey products are available by arrangement.

Price of guided tour (30 min): €60.00

Location

Janša’s Apiary  is located in Breznica, near the Mercator shop (Breznica 6a, 4274 Žirovnica).

Contact

The Žirovnica Institute for Tourism and Culture

t +386 4 580 2092
e info@visitzirovnica.si
w visitzirovnica.si