Medieval Grožnjan is 900 years old, and its artistically innovative design makes it one of the most visited and liveliest hill towns in Istria.
At a glance, Grožnjan seems to be just another in a series of medieval Istrian towns of flysch hills. However, upon entering the town, which is located on the south side of the Mirna Valley, it will provide a medieval atmosphere. Under the shade of centuries-old trees, the town of what was once called Graciniana will reveal the city’s defensive walls, bell tower and gates, and paved streets. Moreover, today it forms a blend of art and the past in the true sense of the word.
In an instant, we will get to know numerous galleries of painters in studios. We will often hear jazz concerts, as well as classical music, or simply the sound of the forehead, piano or cello. It is these sounds of music that arrive on the streets of Grožnjan from open windows as a reflection of a very long tradition of art, street, visuals and music. So, it’s no wonder that many of the artists don’t just come here to create, but choose this place to live.
Things to in Grožnjan
A hilltop was first mentioned in 1102, in a document in which the Istrian Marquis Ulrich II and his wife donate their Istrian estates to the Aquileian Church. And indeed, the town has been declared an artistic place since 1965. The fact that the town is located on a hill of 228 meters n / vs with beautiful views, is enough to attract a curious passer-by who, like me, loves to wander the streets and look for traces of the past. In order to discover these traces, it is necessary to stop and observe the picturesque cobbled streets, squares, and colourful facades.
The beauty of Grožnjan is perhaps best seen from a bird’s eye view. However, to taste the real experience of artistic Grožnjan, it is necessary to enter its streets. Providing the spirit of traces of the past, they seem at first sight attractive with their arches, and small passages. The walls of colourful facades with windows reveal vistas. There is a magnificent view of what used to be a small door. The Venetian pillar, which is still there, will reveal the already mentioned view that reaches the horizon.
Stroll the picturesque streets
Grožnjan streets are picture-perfect. Those form a premium combination of art and the past. In this small town located on the top of a hill, the houses are crowded next to each other, which reveals the compactness of the architecture of the medieval town. The shadows of houses built several hundred years ago will give off a real medieval atmosphere that fits into the defensive walls, the bell tower and the occasional tree. Let’s find some of these hidden details like the street next to ”Uz Zidine ” (across the walls). Let’s take a few photos or even a picture with one of the old bicycles that stretch along Grožnjan.
Let these artistic streets lead you past their corners. Each of them has its own story of the ancient past. Weren’t they once ruled and fought at a time when the town was called Krisignan (1356), the Pazin Captaincy (1394), and the Venetians (1335-1779). During the Venetian Republic, the city developed and received a statute, defensive city walls and the complete appearance of a medieval city. Like other Istrian towns in the 17th century. the place is affected by the plague. He later recovered, largely thanks to the craftsmanship of the time. Although in summer when all the galleries are open they make it the most beautiful, these streets have an artistic charm all year round.
Enter the galleries and exhibitions
It is very easy to find art studios and galleries on the city map. Located in almost every house, today’s Grožnjan has over 30! This harmony of art is almost impossible to find in big cities. A very interesting art edition is “Ex Tempore” in which the artist creates “in place” following the defined theme of the motif, such as walls, houses or streets.
Enjoy the beautiful views
Groznajn is a small town of views. These are views of the green landscapes that stretch to about twenty surrounding villages, the green fields are one of the most beautiful in Istria. The one from the small balcony on the northeast side of the town towards Šterna is special. I still remember my first visit to Grožnjan from my childhood, the bike path from the Livadevalley to Grožnjan. After arriving at a beautiful spot on the hill I was inspired by the views of the greenery and olive groves. I didn’t know about the artistic significance at all then, and the fact that told me I was going to come back again is a beautiful view that has remained the same to this day.
Admire St. Vitus, Modestus and Crescendo Church
A single-nave basilica located on the square bears the same name as the one in medieval Gračišće. We will notice it when entering Grožnjan from the west. It dates from 1310 and was reconstructed in 1770. in the Baroque style. An interesting altar with relics, a gift from Pope Pius VII, which stopped in 303 in ”Tarska Vala” due to bad weather. Next to the parish church, there is a bell tower, 36 meters high, built between 1603 and 1682.
Stroll the Venetian Republic sights
The 228-meter-high conical hill, reached by the ancient Via Flavia, is not only known for its art but also for its ancient sights. Even today, Grožnjan is surrounded by walls, some of which have been carefully preserved. The gate has been preserved, and the drawbridge is visible. They are decorated with the coats of arms of Venetian rectors from the 15th and 16th centuries. The poetic city coat of arms depicts a hand with a white lily stretching towards the sun.
Walking down the wide cobbled street leading from the parish church downhill we see a picturesque building of stone pillars with arches. It is a typical Venetian-style town lodge. It is first mentioned in the 14th century, while its present appearance dates from 1587. Bounded by picturesque colourful walls, lamps and shade, this place is the heart of the art city.
Granary (fontik), which was built in 1597, like any other in medieval places, was used for storing grain. In the same year, the building served as a court and prison. It is located on the first floor. One of the things to pay attention to when walking through picturesque medieval places like Grožnjan are the former crafts.
Old smithy
One of the most picturesque is the building located in the heart of the place. It dates back to 1406. Once was owned by the city, while its premises were leased to blacksmiths. Take a photo of that house bordered by houses with artificial facades and higher roofs. It seems like an ideal postcard of old Grožnjan to share as an idea to visit Istria, right? Another stone building with blue art windows and an arched entrance is the Baroque Spinotti-Morteani Palace of 1861. It was the residence of city notaries and landowners.
Events in Grožnjan
Music and jazz have been a part of Grožnjan for 30 years. The International Jazz Festival is with the world’s best jazz musicians, while the “International Cultural Center for Musical Youth – JMC“ hosts over 10,000 people from 58 countries participating in summer music camps with individual instruments. The musical and cultural summer “HGM” is filled with a cultural program of various artistic and musical events. The cobbled streets at that time resound with the music of all kinds, while the local summer school for young musicians holds daytime classes. Then instruments from the gym can be heard.
The town day
Grožnjan celebrates the day of the town on June 15. The traditional celebration with entertainment, sports and cultural programs takes place in mid-June. The streets of the place are then filled with performances and diverse offerings, and one can find and taste some of the traditional products.
Jazz is Back, Grožnjan
This International jazz festival with the world’s best jazz musicians has held every June. At that time jazz lovers will enjoy Grožnjan since it used to be an international centre of the young music scene that has become meanwhile.
Extempore, Grožnjan
This event made for art known as the International Figurative Art Event takes place every year in the last week of September. The artists of Grožnjan show its “extempore” technique in which the artist creates “on the spot” under a defined theme of motifs, such as walls, houses or streets. This cultural event attracts artists and art lovers from around the world.
Exhibition of red wine white truffles and mushrooms
This gastronomic and oenological event is held at the end of September. It is undoubtedly one of those you shouldn’t miss if you want to taste the origin of homemade Istrian foodstuff.
Sv. Frančeška, Završje
A traditional celebration is also known as “Festa Di San Francesco a Piemonte” with an entertainment program held every April and is dedicated to St Francesco day.
Grožnjan outdoor
Since it is located in the north-central of Istria, it will enchant you with the peace, quietness, and beauty of Grožnjan which will always be a good reason to return. It is an ideal spot for beginning any outdoor tours.
No matter if you like to run, walk or hike, this part of Istria has all of those possibilities. Start your tour and enjoy beautiful surroundings bounded by the old medieval towns, bell towers, churches or the alleys on hilltops that have a fairy-tale appearance. There are various (demanding or more straightforward) trails with the characteristics to enjoy the area. Grožnjan area with every step you take reminds you to enjoy the untouched nature and rich cultural or historical heritage.
By bicyle: Parenzana Trail: Grožnjan – Buje – Brtonigla – Kanegra – Savudrija
What we recommend to cycle is over the Parnezna trail. This trail mentioned so many times in blogs and brochures will take you to Buje. And after over the vast meadows of the Croatian part of Istria rising above the border with Slovenia, as final to the Kanegra viewpoint extending of the well-preserved Sečovlje Salt Pans. In the past, the strictly guarded area is dominated by two old castles along the trail.
What you should visit is the old “Kaštel-castle”, situated next to the small Church of St. Sabbas overlooking the Dragonja river valley and the Momjan Castle. While driving over the trail, you will pass nearby the “Cingarela Cave”. If you want to stop by and visit, take care to climb down carefully by holding the ropes attached to the rock. There is also the largest waterfall in Istria called Cingarela, which is situated on Argilla Brook. The old watermill nearby is so picturesque, and a little bit later along the trail, you can cross the brook by jumping the stones. If you feel okay with the physical preparedness, you should continue your drive after Kanegra until Savudrija. The point with the magnificent lighthouse is considered to be the westernmost point of Croatia.
Daily tours from Grožnjan
Grožnjan region seems to be like a fairytale. Whatever direction you decide to go, St. Florian on the Karst, alongside the Mirna River, you’ll have a good time. As early as 1500 years, the Mirna River was navigable to the pier, where it used to be the port of Baštija. Sure, you can drive around all of the points we noted here. And what you can do more is to visit some of the places we mentioned here below.
Šterna
A charming place is about 12 km far away from Grožnjan on 304 meters high. The name of the place is dedicated to the cistern. Once you come to the elevated settlement located in a gentle valley of karst soil, you’ll see the cistern and the church, dating back to 1746. The area served a water supply purpose. The cistern that used to be important in water supply does not differ significantly from the other cisterns in Istria. A bell tower dominates the whole place. Added in 1791, a belltower is characterized by an octagonal tambour that is continued by a conical spike. The houses were mostly built of partly white limestone and grey sandstone.
Završje
A scenic place of Završje is located on a hill very close to Grožnjan. The village is known as a leaning bell tower of our Lady of the Rosary (Sv. Marija od Krunice). Though it is not visible leaning as the bell tower in Pisa, it’s particular with a flat roof and defence battlements, depending 40 cm to the north.
Except for the bell tower and wonderful nature surrounding the village, it is known to be the place where have been recorded the scenes made to be in the movies shown around the globe. One of the most famed hero movies is Robin Hood.
Vižinada
Situated in very green surroundings, Visinada is a beautiful, picturesque and tiny village with specific Istrian architecture features. Having the two wells and an old warehouse with Venetian lions’ carvings is a born place of Carlotta Grisi. This famous 19th-century ballerina danced at the Milan Scala, a girl.
Besides being scenic, Visinada is often starting point for cyclists who enjoy cycling Parenzana tours. This famed bicycle trail was made on the ex-railway infrastructure, which once was the primary connection from Poreč to Trieste.
Sovinjak
Sovinjak is with no doubt one of those places which will fill you with peace and serenity. Built under the hundred-year-old chestnut tree where the stone sun-clock counts the time in the large Parochial Church’s courtyard, you will enjoy the magnificent view of a Mirna Valley, a Sleeping beauty. Apart from there “Mlunska Polja” and magnificent vineyards towards the north of the lonely Ćićarija could be seen.
Legend has it that the Roman Empires Livia Drusilla ordered and drank the wine Pucinum exclusively from Sovinjak, making Sovinjak a world-recognized. In addition to wine production, Sovinjak is also known to produce top quality “liquid gold” – olive oil. At the beginning of October every year, this small town hosts White Sunday, the folk festival of wine and sparkling wine.
Buje
The place is very proud of its late Baroque Church of St Servulus, decorated with imposing statues, altar, paintings, and organs. A master craftsman’s work is with one of the highest bell towers Istria offering a magnificent view to the northwest.
You shouldn’t miss stopping by the ancient square bounded by rows of Renaissance and Baroque buildings, remains of Venetian towers, and the three-Stoney Ethnographic Museum and the Church of Blessed Virgin Mary with the other own lavish bell tower.
Getting to Grožnjan
✈️ Air. Several airports serve Grožnjan:
- Pula Airport (PUY) – nearest, about 80 km away
- Rijeka Airport (RJK) – ~105 km away
- Trieste Airport (TRS) – ~92 km away, good alternative
- Venice Airport (VCE) – international, ~205 km away, crossing the Schengen border
- Brnik Airport (LJU) – ~95 km away
🚌 Bus. Grožnjan is connected by some local bus lines with other towns in Istria. However, central Istrian routes are limited, so plan accordingly.
🚆 Train. There is no train station in Grožnjan. Nearest stations: Buzet, Koper, Trieste. From there, continue by bus or taxi.
🚗 Car & Parking. Driving is convenient, but parking in peak season can be challenging. There are several designated parking areas near the town entrance.
