01Through the main gate
The historic centre is best approached as a walk, not a checklist. Begin at Velika vrata, then continue to the square and the loggia. Look for carved stone, coats of arms and the way later houses have grown into the older fabric.
02St Martin, at the heart
The Basilica of St Martin is an 11th-century, three-aisled Romanesque church. Its surviving wall paintings make it an important stop for anyone interested in Istrian art. Interior access should be arranged or checked locally; do not assume that the church is always open.
03Walls with a longer memory
Much of the surviving defensive fabric belongs to the Venetian period. The Funtanela tower and the changing line of the walls help explain the town’s former military importance. Look from publicly accessible paths and respect any restoration barriers.
04A thoughtful visit
Allow time for the architecture rather than only a photograph of it. Stone paving can be uneven; wear comfortable shoes. These are living streets, not a museum set, so keep doorways clear and take particular care around residents’ homes.
Central Istria · The town · See the official directory
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