Vrsar is a medieval town located on a hill near the delta of the Lim Bay. Before it started expanding outside its walls during the 19th century, the town included what is now known as the Old Town Vrsar. The remains of the walls and the old town gate still bear witness to the rich history in which several rulers alternated from the time of the Venetian Republic to the modern times and the development of tourism within Croatia. The narrow stone streets and small squares are full of buildings with elements of various styles. Apart from many monuments preserved in the Old Town, during the sightseeing of Vrsar one shouldn`t miss a  a whole slew of historical and cultural monuments located in the port and the hinterland, which also comprise the remains of ancient buildings from the period of the Roman Empire.

We recommend:

• Church of St. Fosca from the 17th century
• Main town gate of medieval Vrsar
• Parish church of St. Martin from the 19th century
• Old Romanic town gate
• Church of St. Anthony from the 17th century
• Remains of old Roman villas, squares and buildings between Funtana and Lim Bay
• Romanic basilica of St. Mary of the Sea in Vrsar port
• Abandoned quarries in which Montraker School of Sculpture is held

The Pazin Chasm is located more than 100 meters below Pazin Castle, one of the most well preserved medieval forts in Istria. The largest Istrian underground river, the Pazinčica, disappears into the pit, and experts agree that this is one of the most fascinating examples of karst evolution in the region. The picturesque landscapes which have been formed by the activity of natural forces in this specific type of terrain, at the spot where Istrian grey and red soil meet, have been a source of inspiration for numerous authors, the most famous among which was Jules Verne and his novel Mathias Sandorf. For more information on this interesting hero, as well as on the history of Pazin and its Castle, visit the interactive show Escape from Kaštel (Istra Inspirit). Due to its exceptional beauty and its unique natural features, the Pazinčica canyon and ravine are protected natural landscapes. Visit Pazin and find out why the Pazin Abyss is considered to be one of the most important sights of Green Istria.

 

We recommend the following:

 

• A walk down the education trail near the Pazin Chasm
• A visit to the Castle
• A visit to the Istria Ethnographic Museum
• Jules Verne: Escape from the Castle, Istra Inspirit

The old town of Poreč is a monument of culture and some of the most famous tourist attractions of Poreč are located here. The historical centre of Poreč has preserved the street layout characteristic of the old Roman castrum that used to stand at the same location as Poreč. Due to Istria’s turbulent history, Poreč was surrounded with walls for centuries, and two of the towers still remain, guarding the entrance into the old city centre. Visit the old town of Poreč and enjoy a pleasant walk and seeing historical monuments and cultural riches.

 

We recommend the following:

 

• The Euphrasian Basilica dating from the 5th century, listed on the UNESCO world cultural and heritage list
• Decumanus and Cardo Maximus streets, which still have their original appearance
• Marafor, the main town square
• Roman Forum with antique temples
• Romanesque house and gothic palaces from the times of Venetian rule
• Baroque Istrian assembly house from the 18th century
• The Iustitia show, Istra Inspirit
• St Nicholas restaurant on the coast and the Gourmet restaurant in the vicinity of the Euphrasian Basilica

The most attractive sights in Grožnjan are its old walls, forts, churches and monuments, the original beauty of which has been preserved until today. The key moment in the town’s history happened at the beginning of the 20th century when the railway was built, and trade with the neighbouring countries quickly picked up leading to the development of its economy. Numerous artists moved to Grožnjan in 1956 and, in time, the town became known as a ‘town of artists’. Today Grožnjan is one of the most favourite destinations for a creative vacation. Prepare to visit the cultural and historical sites of Grožnjan!

 

We recommend the following:

 

• The Church of St Vitus dating from 1300
• Preserved Venetian loggia dating from the 16th century 
• Medieval town walls and view from the walls
• Prehistoric archaeological findings in the town’s surroundings 
• Galleries and ateliers of Grožnjan artists
• The famous Jazz is Back summer festival 
• The ‘From Galleries to Sculptures’ cycling path
• Zigante Shop
• Kaya energy bar 

The sights of Motovun will take you back to a bygone era, when this historic town was an important medieval economic and political centre. Apart from the small churches and monuments which adorn its cobbled streets and squares, Motovun will enchant its visitors with its cultural offer and its wide range of activities, which include cycling tracks along the valley of the Mirna River and attractive hot air balloon competitions. Take a trip to inland Istria and visit the sights of Motovun!

 

What should I visit?

 

Historical town centre 

Central town square, medieval walls, and the unique view from the walls

Gothic bell tower from the 13th century

St Stephen’s Parish Church dating from the 17th century

Romanesque communal palace

Motovun stairs, the longest staircase in Croatia 

Motovun Film Festival, bringing together lovers of independent cinema

Mondo lodge

Pod voltom lodge

Aphrodisiac cycling track

The Pula Amphitheatre, the famous Pula Arena, the sixth largest Roman amphitheatre in the world, is the most important monument in Croatia from the antiquity, and one of the best preserved amphitheatres in the world. 

In comparison with other structural solutions of Roman amphitheatres, the outside walls of the Arena in Pula with its four staircase towers is a true gem, putting this monument in the same category as the Colosseum in Rome, the Verona Arena, and Pompeii Amphitheatre.

It was erected almost 2,000 years ago, at approximately the same time as the famous Rome Colosseum. There are many stories and legends surrounding its construction. Due to its popularity, the Arena is the most frequently used motif on Pula postcards.

 

When you visit the Amphitheatre, we also recommend:

 

guided sightseeing tour of Pula

Visiting Augustus’ Temple in the centre of the town, at the Forum

Arch of the Sergii, a monument from the period before Christ, specifically from the Roman era, also known as the Golden Gate

The Mythical Creatures of Istria show, Istra Inspirit

Pula Superiorvm Manifestation – Days of Antiquity

The protected landscape of the Lim Fjord, also known as the Lim Bay, is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Istria. It is located near Rovinj and Vrsar. The unique fusion of the blue sea and the pristine greenery of the surrounding landscape will enchant you. Because of the combination of fresh and seawater, the waters of the canal are rich in fish and are extremely well suited to shell growing. The forest that surrounds the canal contains a number of historical monuments and is the habitat of many wild animals. The Lim Fjord has the status of a protected landscape, which means that the use of motorboats, fishing and diving are strictly forbidden. Visit the Lim Fjord and spend the day in preserved nature, surrounded by a variety of flora and fauna.

We recommend seeing or doing the following activities:

• Romualdo’s Cave, named after the medieval hermit priest
• Strolling around the woods surrounding the canal
• Free climbing on two massive rock walls 
• Cycling around the canal
• Two restaurants on the shore of the canal which offer seafood specialties

Završje is a small Istrian village located on a hill north of the Mirna River. This architectural jewel, which has been a witness to Istria’s turbulent history, was long concealed from the inquisitive eyes of tourists. The ancient architecture is dominated by stone and wood, making the entire village a single monument. A walk down its streets will take you back to long-lost era. The village was erected on the ruins of a prehistoric fort, and its strategic significance was recognised by the Romans, medieval noblemen and the Venetians, who added walls and forts centuries later. Visit Završje and discover the heart of authentic Istria.

We recommend seeing:

• The castle and palace
• The well-preserved Church of St Rocco
• The symbol of the town, the Church of St Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, the burial site of the Portuguese nobleman Pietro Finnes 
• The bell tower of the Church of St Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, which leans 40 cm to one side and is known as the leaning tower of Istria
• The Three Istrian Musketeers cycling route