Above the characteristic meander of the Sava River, on its left bank, lies the newer and now spatially more extensive part of Litija, called Gradec. The old part of the town, connected to Gradec by a bridge across the Sava, spreads on the right bank of the river, where the Sava enters the breakthrough valley of the Zasavje Hills east of the town. The bridge over the Sava River was built in 1852 and significantly contributed to the connection of both banks and the town's development.
Litija is located in central Slovenia, roughly halfway between Ljubljana and Zidani Most. The town is situated in a basin surrounded by hilly terrain, such as Veliki Vrh, Svibno, Sitarjevec, and Širmanski hrib. This position between the Posavje Hills to the east and the Sava Valley provides favorable natural conditions for living and development. The altitude of the town is approximately 238 meters, which gives Litija a moderate climate with a transition between continental and pre-Alpine climates.
The Sava River is a key natural element that has strongly marked Litija throughout history – both in terms of transport and economy. Its presence enabled the development of a river port, which in the past was an important point for trade and transport. After the construction of the Austrian Southern Railway (Vienna–Trieste) in 1849, Litija experienced intensive economic growth, becoming an important transport and industrial point.
The settlement was first mentioned in written sources in 1145. One explanation for the origin of the name Litija is the Latin word litus, which means shore – which corresponds to its location by the river. Today, Litija is a municipal center that combines rich history, natural diversity, and cultural heritage in the heart of Slovenia.
Location and Relief
- Litija is situated in central Slovenia, in the Zasavje statistical region, at an altitude of approximately 238 m.
- The town spreads along a distinctive meander of the Sava, where the river transitions from a wider basin into the breakthrough valley of the Zasavje Hills.
- It is surrounded by peaks: Veliki Vrh (568 m), Svibno, Sitarjevec (known for the mine), and Širmanski hrib.
Geology and the Sitarjevec Mine
Litija lies at the contact of carbonate rocks of the Posavje Hills and quaternary alluvial deposits of the Sava. The Sitarjevec Mine near Litija is known for its rich deposits of lead, zinc, iron, and barites, which strongly influenced economic development in the past. Today, this geological diversity is part of the town's tourist offer.
Anthropogeographical Impact
Due to its location along the Sava and the arrival of the railway (1849), Litija became an important transport and industrial center. Urbanization spread mainly to the left bank of the Sava (Gradec), while the old part remained on the right bank. Today, Litija is a municipal center with over 6,700 inhabitants.