Istria
Istria (Croatian: Istra) is the north-westernmost area of Croatia. In a triangular shape, it is bordered in the north by Slovenia, east by the Kvarner region of Croatia and on the south and west by the Adriatic Sea.History:
previously part of the Venetian Empire, this region has seen many empires such as Byzantine, Roman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian (Communist). The cultural heritage of Istria is thus very rich and diverse.
After conquering the Illyrian Histri people the Romans settled in the cape and left a large inheritance turning Pula into an important organizational hub and erecting villas, amphiteatres and temples. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the inner land remained a feudal territory occupied by Slavs and finally Austrian Habsburgs, while the shore fell under rule of the Republic of Venice in the 13th century. Intermittent
Since 1797, the Croatian population of Istria worked really hard for independence and were ruthlessly subdued both by Austrians and Fascist Italy (after World War I), ultimately ending with revenge from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II, forcing most Italians to leave. A small ethnic Italian population still lives in the coastal towns. Relatively spared from the Yugoslav Wars, Istria is now a affluent region. Latter years have seen a growing regional attitude and a reunion with its previously conflictive Italian identity.
Language
Croatian is the formal and most common language. There is still an Italian cultural community in countless coastal towns. Most restaurants in the main town also have an English speaker or two.
How to get to Istria
Pula is the main transport hub for Istria so most people will arrive there if they are not driving. Some cruiser lines arrive to Poreč, too. Buses run from Trieste in Italy, Zagreb and other major cities to Pula. Ryanair provides a connection London (Stansted) to Pula three times a week, and Dublin Pula also. Scandjet connects Pula to Oslo and Stockholm once a week (on Saturdays) during the summer. Germanwings also serves Pula. Trains run daily between Ljubljana in Slovenia and Pula, and from Rijeka to Ljubljana. sadly due to past disaster the two train lines do not meet up in spite of some works commenced on a rail tunnel to link the two distances. Venezia Lines is a high speed ship operator. Operating in the North Adriatic, Venezia Lines links the North Adriatic's coasts of Italy and Croatia.Tourist Sights in Istria
Roman structures in Pula, including the Arena and Forum. Brijuni (Brioni) Islands - personal playground of General Tito including an international zoo, dinosaur footsteps and Roman and Byzantine ruins. Hill-top villages of Groznjan and Motovun, populated by artistSs. brilliant frescoes of Our Lady of the Rocks chapel in Beram.Visit Lovran, Istria, near Opatija, for the Days of Cherries Festival in June. Join the Truffle Days festival in the Motovun/Buzet area in late September. Motovun Film event Motovun, Istria (On the main road between Buzet and Buje).
Istrian Cuisine
With diversity at the heart of Istria, you’ll delight in new culinary experiences and reconnect with traditional flavors.At the shore fresh fish and seafood are a custom. But the gastronomic prize is no doubt the truffles. After the opening of the season, in late September, truffles can be found accompanying any dish and sauce. Especially recommended is pasta with truffles. Also, olive oil with truffles is a typical product of the region.
Cities in Istria: Buje, Motovun, Pazin, Poreč, Pula, Rovinj, Umag
Other destinations in Istria: Beram Limski kanal, Vrsar
Nature
The coast and the islands are covered with pine woods and easily identifiable green macchia.
