ABOUT ROVINJ & ISTRIA

Founded in the 3rd century on an islet that was not joined with the mainland until 1500 years later, Rovinj is a splendid medieval town in the region of Istria on the north-west coast of Croatia. Unspoilt, seductive and enigmatic, this 'pearl of Istria' challenges the artist to capture its mystery.

Istria ended Jules Verne's search for unique scenery. He found in the superb landscape the setting for his novel Mathias Sandorf and led his hero through the caves and subterranean streams of Istria. Istria has been praised in the verses of Roman poets and Renaissance troubadours and from Dante to James Joyce. In his memoirs, Giacomo Girolamo Casanova describes his two visits to Istria in the pursuit of love. Almost two thousand years ago, a Roman Chronicler observed that 'In Istria, the Roman patricians feel like gods...'

In conjunction with Atelier Sottomuro, we are offering an opportunity to discover the unique experience of Rovinj and the splendid landscape that so enchanted Jules Verne and the early Roman patricians. The Old Town rises up out of the sparkling Adriatic and winds its way up the hill to the Church of Saint Euphemia, built in the Venetian-baroque style of the 18th century. In 1663, the Old Town was declared a cultural monument and the whole coastline of Rovinj together with twenty-two islands are now protected as part of the natural heritage. Formerly part of the Venetian Empire, Rovinj has a rich architectural heritage and the Venetian influence is evident. Look out for the Venetian lion, the symbol of Venice. Rovinj has long been the home of artists and it is easy to see why with a tableau around every corner.

As part of your holiday we will take you inland to Motovun and Groznjan, two ancient walled towns perched on top of hills.

Motovun

An old legend says that long ago giants lived in the valley of the river Mirna and that one of the towns they built was Motovun. Groznjan is first mentioned in 1102 as the property of the aquilean patriarchs. Both towns are built some 280 metres above sea level and the glorious views across the Mirna Valley, the Motovun Forest, the rich red soil of the vineyards to Mount Ucka make these towns two of the most attractive places in Istria.

The towns are beautifully preserved, retaining their unique appeal and their historical connection to a time long ago. And, best of all, these towns remain quite unspoilt.

Istria is the area for truffles, wines and olive oil. No wonder the region is often referred to as 'the new Tuscany'.