The best cycling routes around Općina Barban

The Church of St. Michael in Žminj was built in the 16th century and has been one of the most important religious buildings in the area ever since. It boasts exquisite craftsmanship, with colored stones sourced from a mine in nearby Gradišće.

The Church of Saint Catherine is a simple building dating back to the 15th century. It features a bell gable and a loggia, which was added in the 18th century. In the Church of Saint Catherine, the frescoes are arranged along the north, south, and west walls of the chapel and depict the cycle of legends related to the life of the saint. The central space is occupied by the image of the Madonna and Child, while below, Saint Catherine, with her hand outstretched and Jesus grasping her fingers, symbolizes the act of the mystical marriage. The frescoes were created under the influence of 15th-century Italian painting, more specifically Venetian.

Useful vending machine for snacks and drinks, including energy drinks, at very low prices, open 24 hours a day

Barban is a small medieval village in eastern Istria, known for its historic walls and central square with the parish church of St. George. The town preserves local traditions, including the famous bull run (trka na praputn), and is surrounded by hills and vineyards typical of the region.

A small but well-stocked market in the village of Manjadvorci. Excellent refreshment in an area not always teeming with bars. Practically always open.

The Church of the Annunciation of Mary (Navještenja Marijina) stands on the eastern side of the square. Dating back to the 16th century, it has a trefoil Renaissance façade constructed from local stone. The interior of the church contains five marble altars and as many altarpieces attributed to the Venetian school of painting. On the main altar, whose construction was financed by the Grimani family, is a painting of the Annunciation by Giuseppe Porta-Salvati. The same altar is adorned with an image of the Madonna with angels, Saint Sebastian, and Saint Roch, by Palma the Younger. The church preserves the relics of Saint Victoria, which were brought to Svetvinčenat from Rome in the 17th century.

beautiful Venetian-style square, surrounded by the castle, the church and a beautiful loggia

The Morosini-Grimani Castle is the symbol of Svetvinčenat (Sanvincenti) and one of the best-preserved Renaissance fortresses in Istria. Its origins date back to the 13th century, when the De Castro Pola family built their first fortified residence there. Passed to the Morosini family in the 15th century, it was transformed into a true fortress and, after a devastating fire in 1586, rebuilt in Renaissance style by the Grimani family with the help of Venetian architects. The quadrangular structure with three towers and an elegant noble palace combined defensive, administrative, and economic functions: grain storage, armory, and the captain's residence. Topped by the Grimani coat of arms, which later became the emblem of the city, the castle endured centuries of wars, fires, and dominations, until it was once again destroyed in the Second World War. Today, after careful restoration, the castle has come back to life: it hosts exhibitions, events, and multimedia tours that allow visitors to discover the history of Svetvinčenat and one of the most fascinating Istrian fortresses.