 |
Istria  
"The New Tuscany"ISTRIA- LAND OF HISTORY, MYSTERY & CULTURE Istria is an enchanting land where Roman, Slavic and Germanic civilizations have crossed paths over the course of several millennia leaving behind a legacy of prehistoric hill-forts, Roman amphitheatres, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and mist-shrouded hilltop towns. Pronounced 'istra’ in Croatian and Slovenian, Istria is the largest peninsula on the Adriatic Sea. Located in northwestern Croatia between the Gulf of Trieste and the Bay of Kvarner, Istria is considered to be the most diverse tourist region in Croatia, seducing visitors with its cosmopolitan charm, picturesque landscapes, medieval towns and beautiful coast. The region has been home to aristocracy such as the Austrian imperial family, the kings of Serbia, Montenegro and Greece, as well as Italy's King Umberto and its mystical beauty has inspired writers like Dante, James Joyce and Jules Verne. The climate in Istria is Mediterranean with elements of continental. Due to the vicinity of the Adriatic Sea – which surrounds Istria on two sides – the winters are snow less, and the summers are long, sunny and warm. Along the coast of Istria, there are eleven modern marinas and numerous naturist resorts, while inland you’ll find medicinal spas, numerous hunting grounds, picturesque towns and “Hum” - the smallest town in the world. The northwestern Istrian coast is defined by the old fishing village of Savudrija, where the forest is closest to the sea. Here you’ll find, preserved and functioning, the tallest lighthouse on the Adriatic from the nineteenth century. Further south is the ancient town of Umag followed by Novigrad which attracts modern nomads who enjoy swimming in the traditionally clean sea, hunting in the Mirna Valley, canoeing on the river, or listening to live jazz performances at the annual summer jazz festival. Next comes the coastal town of Porec, which is the Istrian town considered to have the greatest wealth of historical monuments. The old structure of the Roman streets have been preserved in the center of town, as has the complex of the Euphrasian Basilica from the 6th century, with its beautiful mosaics from the period of Emperor Justinian. The town is surrounded by beaches and can be reached by boat – or you can fly in by light aircraft in the nearby town Vrsar.
Pula, Istria’ largest city, is famous for its well preserved Roman amphitheatre, known as the Arena, which to this day can hold over 20 thousand people. A walk through the town of Pula is a passage through history, which has left its mark in every part of the city. The city is host to the Pula Film Festival (every July), which has taken place in the Arena since 1954. Arriving at the amphitheater and watching a movie under a starry sky is a happening in itself making the Arena one of the most beautiful cinemas in the world. Not far from Pula, near the coastal town of Fazana, is Brijuni National Park, its picturesque scenery attracting visitors in search of serenity and natural beauty. Also near Pula are the towns of Medulin and Barban, a picturesque medieval settlement where the game of knighthood “Race on a Ring” has been held in the second half of August since the 17th century. The Istrian inland consists of medieval stone villages, surrounded by rural houses, bowers and estates that welcome guests who want to spend time in nature, enjoy the peace and quiet, and stay in authentic house far from the crowds. Bicycling : Istria offers over 1,000km of well developed bicycle paths that pass by churches, monuments, small villages, and wine roads. You can experience the Istria’s magic and rich history by attending plays in ancient theatres, classical music concerts in cathedrals or jazz happenings in medieval castles. You can also experience opera in the Roman Amphitheatre in Pula,, or a film festival under a starry sky in the medieval town of Motovun, one of the most picturesque Istrian towns which is situated on top of a hill in the idyllic Mirna River valley. "ISTRIA - THE NEW TUSCANY FOR FOOD LOVERS!"
|
