Grožnjan

Discover green Istrian hilltops crowned by historic town walls, the guardians of centuries’ old stories and legends!

Discover the beauty of “Green Istria”, hidden from everyday bustle in its lowlands encompassed by forests and hills”.  Legend has it that, not so long ago in the valley of river Mirna,  lived giants who were so tall they could pass on tools from hand to hand and large stones to build numerous settlements on hills! Grožnjan, known  as the city of artists, surrounded by green hills and a magical white soil with interesting history, which has been written in every nook and naturally permeates the present. It is rich in ancient churches, prehistoric finds, ancient castles, magnificent palaces and many other old buildings, whose past glory was recovered through restoration, all in order to be able to evoke the charm of the past. In this small town, there are as many as 28 ateliers; there is also the city art gallery with works by artists from around the world, and even the well-known Imaginary Film Academy found its home here. In the summer, all of Grožnjan becomes a stage on which renowned jazz and classical musicians alternate, as do many other artists who have discovered the true joy of creation here. After Grožnjan, we shall visit the small town of Oprtalj situated on a hill and accessible by a narrow plateau, however, a very picturesque village in northern Istria! At some time in the past, this was a fortified settlement and now only the settlement gateway is visible. Every single stone step emanates its historical spirit, each perfectly set in place to create a perfect picture, which, in its silence, enriches visitors of tales from the past. Our stroll ends in a beautiful ambience of a local tavern where we shall have the pleasure of tasting indigenous Istrian delicacies!