All of European history walked through Istria with a mutual contact of three European civilizations.

History of Istria

History of Istria is long and rich, and left behind a visible traces through a many of well-preserved archaeological, historical and cultural monuments of different ethnic cultures and periods. Like time machine, journey through the history of Istria starts from the very beginnings of prehistory. From that period are visible the beaten traces of the ancient inhabitants, the magnificent dinosaurs, at the coastal area of Bale, nearby Pula.

Since immemorial time, especially because of its strategic importance (exit of Central Europe to the Mediterranean), Istria was trying to be conquered many invaders who have left their traces in the entire European continent, and especially in Istria.

It might be said that all European history "walked" through Istria with a mutual contact of three European civilizations.

Origin of the name Istria

Istria was named by the prehistoric inhabitants and its members of the Illyrian tribe Histrima. Apparently attracted by the fresh water they inhabited the lands of the river Timava from Ucka or river Rasa.

Prehistoric ruins, the Roman amphitheater and triumphal arches, early Christian churches, Byzantine mosaics, Romanesque basilica, medieval towns on hilltops, Renaissance frescoes, towers and walls, and bifora trefoil, gothic cathedrals, baroque palaces, Austro-Hungarian fortifications are all silent witnesses of the rich and turbulent Istrian history. You will come upon them, through the worldly and sacred edifice in every Istrian town, village, hamlet. You will find them there even where it is least expected, you will see it in a ruined wall that has been collapsed in the grass, or by the rest of the former church, ancient ruins, theater, it will all tell you a new story or a legend that had happened long time ago ...

Begginings of the tourism in Istria

The development of tourism in Istria starts from the period of the Roman Empire. Since then it was built and left behind a legacy of buildings such as Vespasian's amphitheater in Pula that has served for the amusement of citizens and tourists, and could accommodate about 20,000 spectators. In addition, the ancient Romans, known for enjoying the comforts of life, they built many villas on the coast and the island of Brijuni.
Architecture and architectural heritage of the biggest Adriatic peninsula is well know.

KAZUN - Kazun is a small stone shelter made out of stone without mortar. It was used as a shelter for monitoring the fields and vineyards before the harvest and also as a storage.

They are mostly found in southern and western part of Istria and they are most famous and recognized Istrian symbols.

ISTARSKA HIZA  (Istrian house) - Typical old Istrian hiza are built of stone, and with grouted walls and roofs covered with channeled tiles. From the front facade of the house is almost always made porch, staircase leading into the residential part of the house. In the largest room called "konoba", which is a kind of tavern or wine cellar, there would be an open fireplace.

DRYSTONE WALLS - People in this region throughout history farmed. They often had to scramble the stone, which would collect it from the land to be able to cultivate it and with this stone they fenced their land. On the solid rock foundation would be laid larger stones on the bottom, and then up to the top the smaller stones would be put. So they formed a long and harmonious drywall.

Basic information about Istria

Area: 2.820 km²

Population: 206.344 (2001).

Coastline: 445.1 km

Sea temperature: the lowest in March (9.3 to 11.1 degrees), and highest in August (23.3 - to 24.1 degrees)

Rivers: Mirna, Rasa and Dragonja

Administrative Centre: Pazin (9,227 inhabitants)

Economic Centre Pula (58,594 inhabitants)