The best traffic-free bike rides around Općina Barban

Pizzeria Grimani next to the church two long-established businesses and with a connection all the way to the top

Near the old railway station now transformed into a restaurant, the view of Rovinj and the sea

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.

Svetvincenat, Savicenta, or Sanvincenti, is a charming village in central Istria steeped in centuries of history and culture. Its origins date back to the Roman period, but the core of the town developed in the Middle Ages around a Benedictine monastery dedicated to Saint Vincent, mentioned in documents from the 12th century. In 1211, the fiefdom passed to the Castropola nobles of Pula, and in the 14th century, it was recorded in the famous deed demarcating the Istrian borders. It later came under the control of the Republic of Venice: first the Morosini, then the Grimani, who profoundly influenced the development of the village. Thanks to them, Svetvincenat acquired its unmistakable Renaissance character: the central square (Placa), among the most harmonious in Istria, surrounded by stately buildings, the loggia, and the parish church. Watching over the village stands the Morosini-Grimani Castle, dating back to the 13th century and rebuilt in 1589 by the Grimani family with the help of Venetian architects. In addition to the castle, the village holds true treasures of sacred art: the church of Santa Caterina, with splendid medieval frescoes, and the church of San Vincenzo, linked to its Benedictine origins. Svetvinčenat has endured dominations and wars, fires and reconstructions, until the present day, when—restored and enhanced—it has once again become one of the most vibrant centers of Istrian culture, hosting festivals, historical events, and food and wine events.

Extraordinary views along this path, easily accessible by bike but be careful of swimmers and pedestrians... my beauty is so great that even by bike you go slowly

incredibly beautiful seafront path, very popular with pedestrians but the beauty of the place forces you to slow down regardless