Istria is the westernmost Croatian county and the largest peninsula on the Adriatic. You will be impressed by the snow whiteness of the mountains nearby, backwash of green fields, wavy vineyards and olive groves, the azure sea and the odors of low bush and pine tree forests.

Every little detail, church facades, village alleys and the special gastronomic offer will seduce your every sense and render your stay in Istria unforgettable. But all of this would not be complete without the locals – people with tender temper, willing to work, patient, a bit distrustful and cautious, moving slower, their strength hidden…

Different rulers and civilizations have brought new guidelines with themselves, leaving behind traces that represent a valuable cultural-historical heritage of which Istria is extremely proud. Its history goes back to the age of the Pal Eolithic while the first inhabitants of Istria were the nation called Histri after who this fertile soil was named.

Around the middle of the 2nd millennium b. c., prehistoric villages (gradine) are built on the top of the hills. There are more than 400 villages (gradine) registered in Istria. They were mostly circular, elliptic shape and surrounded by protective walls.

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An enormous trace in the history of Istria was left by the Romans, with the 500 years of their rule. They have built special Villa Rusticas, roads, the famous amphitheater in Pula and changed the political administration, as well as created strong nautical and merchant connections.

The Arena in Pula – the most famous historical building in Istria astonishes. What once was the scene of gladiator fights today is the stage of many concerts and festivals. Tourists can visit it every day or see the exhibit in its basement.

Later the Goths came, who did not stay there long because new rulers of Istria came – the Byzantines.  They have changed the cultural image of the entire Istria and have built many beautiful buildings, churches, cathedrals, basilicas – the most famous of which is the Eufrasian basilica in Porec, which was recently added to the UNESCO’s World heritage list.

The Eufrasian basilica – one of the most beautiful byzantine churches in Europe is located in Porec. Eufrasian basilica is a unique monument of the rich, 2000-year-old history.

During the first centuries of the early Middle Ages, different barbaric tribes force their way into Istria. Medieval towns offered natural protection from the frequent invasions of the feudalists or Venice. They protected the citizens with walls that had many towers, rooks and frequently a motion bridge. From the outside it looks like a fort, while from the inside it is intertwined with wavy alleys that follow the circular form of the walls. The church and the square are the center of the life of town.

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Give in to the art in Groznjan – a medieval town which undergoes a metamorphosis every year at the beginning of May – it transforms into an art colony with jazz, art, dance, play workshops…

See a movie in Motovun – the Motovun film festival, where you can see movies under the starry sky and party till dawn with thousands of young people every night, is an experience that must not be missed.