Barban, Central Istria

The many centuries of warfare over a small town in the southeast of Istria point to the valuable strategic position of the Barban Riviera. Although the entire town of Barban was bought by the aristocratic Venetian family Loredan in the year 1535, glagolitic graffiti on the walls of churches, as well as their frescoes, bear living witness to the Croatian culture. The baroque and gothic monuments which can be found behind nearly every corner were left by the other foreign powers which have passed through these parts: France and Austria.

A compendium of numerous architectural styles is reflected also in the Greater and Lesser town gates, defensive ramparts, Venetian family palaces, medieval towers and churches, and of course the multitude of stone houses up and down the entire Barban Riviera.

Atop the cliffs which surround Krnica, you will be awed by the views of the islands of Kvarner, while Manjadvorci will be happy host lovers of tranquility and country holidays even in the winter months.
 

Besides its rich material heritage, the Barban Riviera is well known for the Trka na prstenac (Ring race) knight tournament. After a (too) long break, this oldest Croatian equestrian tradition has been renewed. Its rules stipulate that riders aim a metal-tipped wooden lance at the center of four concentrical rings. The backdrop of Istrian music and numerous accompanying entertainment opportunities have made this ancient tradition an increasingly popular event.

For a real adrenaline rush, the hamlet of the same name is home to the Highland adrenaline park Glavani. The only requirement for climbing among tall logs is courage. Three courses of varying heights have been prepared for children of different ages. Try them and the hundred-meter or so descent in a cable car above the trees for an about-turn of the quiet country holiday on the Barban Riviera.
 

To round up a summer holiday on the Barban Riviera, head for neighboring Svetvinčenat and its Dance and nonverbal theater festival. Visit the Labin art republic and its numerous music and painting performances on the street-stages.

If you are pining for the coastlands, go down from the Barban plateau - Pula invites you to her film festival and concert program on the set of the Croatian Coliseum, while Poreč will reveal to you its unique mosaics of Euprhrasiana, the UNESCO-protected basilica.