TRAVEL THROUGH TIME, ISTRIA, CROATIA

A sea of sensations, a myriad of flavours, nine experiences, one Istria. Excursions and Sightseeing in Croatia.

OLD BUZET

How they baked bread and what music they danced to in old Buzet

Buzet is situated in the very north of Istria near the border with Slovenia. Its historic core, dating from the Middle Ages lies on a hilltop above a fertile valley of the longest Istrian river – the Mirna.
Today, Buzet is widely known as the ‘City of Truffles’ since the forests along the Mirna River are especially rich in this divine tuber.

In an extraordinary surrounding you will experience sounds, flavours and fragrances, talk and music, sights and spirit of the 20th century and the past times. You will make your bread in the old-fashioned way, learn old dances accompanied by the sound of accordion, double bass and violin, play the game ‘pljočke’, or simply take a walk and discover the streets and squares, old workshops, tasting rooms, wine shops, souvenir shops…

SPACIO

The food of fishermen and farmers and discussions at the tavern

One of the most ‘photogenic’ towns in the Mediterranean, once a fishing town, today is a tourist resort.

Not so long ago, fishermen would catch fish from their batana (a type of boat), while farmers made wine, after which they would all meet in the Spacio (tavern) and sing about their lives, the sea, the countryside, tales of unhappy loves and happy endings. They would comment everyday events and sometimes, filled with wine and fish, they would quarrel…

JULES VERNE: Escape from the castle

How Count Sandorf escaped from the castle and what Jules Verne knew about it

The fascinating picture of the medieval Castle of Pazin (Kaštel), situated above the 130 m cliff where the Pazinčica River flows into the Pazin Pit, inspired the renowned French writer Jules Verne as the setting for part of his novel “Mathias Sandorf”, published in 1885. Today there is a Jules Verne club in Pazin and every year at the end of June the Days of Jules Verne are organized.

In Jules Verne’s novel, in 1867 Mathias Sandorf was preparing a conspiracy for the secession of Hungary from the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. But, he was discovered, and after a trial, was thrown in the Castle of Pazin to await execution. Sandorf and two other conspirators managed to escape from the castle by descending the cliff of the Cave of Pazin into its abyss. Enjoy this adrenaline adventure followed by a party, drinks and music from original historical time period…

MARE THE WITCH

Why the herbalist Mary was burned at the stake and how the executioners celebrated

In 1632 Mare Radolovich was a local herbalist and healer who was accused of witchcraft by her neighbours, the same people that she had healed and helped. They accused her of making a pact with the devil, declared her a witch and condemned her to death by burning at the stake in the castle’s courtyard. Did she survive? Discover the truth at this renaissance feast in a magnificent Venetian fortress…

The medieval town of Svetvinčenat, situated in the southern part of central Istria, is one of those Istrian jewels that has been discovered only recently.

IUSTITIA

Domenico Furlan’s thievery and how justice was served

In the year 1699, the infamous robber Domenico Furlan destroyed the tabernacle of the Basilica in Poreč and stole its gold and silver ornaments. At his trial, he was found guilty of this unprecedented act and was executed. Join the people’s celebration of justice served that turns into a baroque celebration…