Domžale (; ) is a town and the seat of the Municipality of Domžale in Slovenia. The town lies near the foothills of the Kamnik Alps and is crossed by the Kamnik Bistrica River. It includes the neighborhoods of Zgornje Domžale (; ), ), Domžale is known today for its small businesses, agriculture, and light industry.
Name
Domžale was attested in written sources circa 1200–1230 as Domsselsdorf (and as Vnheilden dorf in 1260, Vnsselsdorf in 1302, Vnsersdorf in 1322, Dumsel in 1490, and Damschale in 1558, among other variations.) The medieval German name Unser(s)dorf is derived from (D)unselsdorf, which was presumably borrowed from the Slovene name and from which the initial D- was lost because it was reanalyzed as a definite article. The Slovene name could be reconstructed as *Domžaľe, based on a Slavic personal name such as *Domožalъ and referring to an early inhabitant of the place. Alternatively, the Slovene name may be borrowed from Middle High German Domsell(sdorf), based in turn on a Slavic name such as *Domoslavъ. In the local dialect, the town is referred to as Dumžale. In the past the German name was Domschale.
Church
thumb|left|Assumption Church
The church in Domžale is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary. It is surrounded by a cemetery and stands on a hill just north of the new municipal cemetery. In early 2012, the church's tower caught fire and destroyed its roof.
Radio transmitter
The Domžale radio transmitter, the most powerful transmitter in Slovenia, is located near Domžale. It operates on medium wave frequency 918 kHz and can be received at night throughout Europe. It uses a 161 m guyed steel tube mast as an aerial.
Sports
- KK Kansai Helios Domžale
- NK Domžale
Notable people
Notable people that were born or lived in Domžale include:
- Ivan Ahčin (1897–1960), sociologist and journalist