The name Hrastenice is derived from the word hrast 'oak'. Like similar names (e.g., Hrastje, Hrastovica, Hrastnik), it originally referred to the local vegetation.[4] In the past it was known as Krestenitze in German.[5]
History
Just east of Hrastenice above the Gradaščica River there was an engagement between Partisan and Italian forces in 1942.[3] A plaque at the place reads: "At this site on 7 May 1942 a battalion of the village defense forces of this zone attacked an Italian column and destroyed a large number of the occupying force's soldiers and officers, including the regimental commander." The Italian losses numbered 36 dead and missing, including a lieutenant colonel, and 82 wounded soldiers and officers.[6]
Notable people
Notable people that were born or lived in Hrastenice include:
Matija Ambrožič (1889–1966), technical writer and physician[3][7]
