Istria is also a land
of cities. The ancient
settlements of Pula, Rovinj,
Poreč, Umag, Labin, Pazin,
Medulin, Grožnjan, Novigrad,
Buzet and many others are
places of pilgrimage for
beauty lovers. These towns
are usually situated on top
of hills and surrounded by
walls and towers. The
alleyways of the old towns
preserve the spirit of the
Middle Ages.
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cities on clickable
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Scattered along the coasts
and hillocks, amidst the
vineyards and olive-groves,
Istrian small towns look as
if they have just descended
from a painting. Just like
people who had happier and
less happier periods in
their lives, some Istrian
towns have been preserved,
while others, ravaged by
time and misfortune, are
nothing more than romantic
ruins, an abandoned scenery
from which sensitive souls
read records of the times
past.
Towns on the
coast proudly display their
true belonging to the
Mediterranean, being the
typical coastal Roman
municipalities with ports,
jovial ships and seething
streets. On the other hand,
mediaeval towns blooming on
the hillocks in the
hinterland are true small
mid-European forts exuding
the calmness of the mainland.
If you want to
truly experience Istria in
all its diversity, start
from Pula, Rovinj, or PoreË,
then go to SvetvinËenat and
Dvigrad, and finally to
Motovun or Hum. In Rovinj
you will recognize the
contours and heritage of
Venice, in Pazin the spirit
of Austria will speak for
itself. Do not hesitate, for
a short time leave the tales
of the sea and salt, murmur
of the crowd and romantic
ships anchored in the lively
port, and head to the
fairylike paths of the
undulating landscape.
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Whether it is Motovun,
Grožnjan, Završje, Oprtalj
or the smallest town in the
world, Hum, a walk though
its stony streets will
quickly become a magical
journey through history.
Follow the path from the
massive town gate to the
small bench of the Municipal
Loggia and then ascend to
the small church on the
plaza and the tower from
which Istria will glisten
completely differently.
Although they seem to look
alike, each of these
mediaeval towns is unique.
Be curious, peek into the
doorways, and inspect coats
of arms and palaces. Step
into the churches and rest
in the shades of the
chapels. Here you will meet
and understand popular
legends of diligent fairies
who renew the town walls at
night, but also of the
witches that know how to
make trouble. If you meet
someone, feel
free to
stop that person and ask
whatever comes to your mind.
People here are gentle and
kind, and will be glad to
tell you the story of Istria
- a piece of land where the
greatest diversities exist
side by side in harmony. |
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About Istria
