Istria
Istria (Croatian: Istra) is the north-westernmost region 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 kingdom this region has seen many empires such as Byzantine, Roman, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslavian (Communist). The cultural inheritance of Istria is thus very rich and varied.
Since 1797, the Croatian population of Istria struggled for independence and were brutally repressed both by Austrians and Fascist Italy (after World War I), finally ending with retribution from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II. A small ethnic Italian community still lives in the coastal towns. Relatively spared from the Yugoslav Wars,
Istria is now a wealthy region. Latter years have seen a growing regional sentiment and a reconciliation with its previously conflictive Italian character.
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 reach Istria
Pula is the central transport centre for Istria so most people will get there there if they are not driving. Some boat lines arrive to Poreč, too. Buses run from Trieste in Italy, Zagreb and other major cities to
Pazin in the centre of Istria, and most to Pula in the South. 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 accident, the two train lines do not meet up despite some works have commenced on a rail tunnel to link the two short distances. Venezia Lines is a high speed ferry operator. Operating in the North Adriatic, Venezia Lines links the North Adriatic's coasts of Italy and Croatia. From May 2003 to October 2009, Venezia Lines has carried more than 450.000 travellers between Venice and the Northern Coast of Croatia. They are currently deployed on routes between Venice, Italy and the Croatian ports of Mali Losinj, Porec, Pula, Rabac and Rovinj.
Visitor Sights in Istria
Roman structures in Pula, including the Arena and Forum. The old Venetian town of
Rovinj. St Euphrasius Basilica in Poreč. Brijuni (Brioni) Islands - personal park of Tito including an international zoo, dinosaur footprints and Roman and Byzantine ruins. Hill-top villages of Groznjan and Motovun, populated by artist communities Magnificent
Visit Lovran, Istria, near Opatija, for the Days of Cherries celebration in June. Join the Truffle Days festival in the Motovun/Buzet area in late September. Motovun Film Festival, Motovun, Istria Visit Groznjan and its jazz Festival.
Pasta, gnocchi, risotto and polenta, as well as its vegetables (which can be found, at a cheap price, in any of the numerous open-air markets present in almost every Istrian town), accompany main dishes, as an Italian heritage. Especially, Istrian peppers have international credit. With diversity at the heart of Istria, you’ll delight in new culinary experiences and reconnect with customary flavors.
But the gastronomic gem is no doubt the truffles. After the beginning 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 produce of the region.
Cities in Istria: Buje, Motovun, Pazin, Poreč, Pula, Rovinj, Umag
Other destinations in Istria: Beram, Brijuni, Groznjan, Hum,
Position of Istria
Istria is the westernmost district of the Republic of Croatia. The biggest peninsula of the Adriatic.
Istria's area is 2,820 km2 (triangle Dragonja, Kamenjak, Učka). The official Language is Croatian. (coast is twice as long as the road one), Notable Rivers include Mirna, Dragonja and Raša.
Nature
Istria is the largest green oasis of the North Adriatic. The coast and the islands are covered with pine forests and easily identifiable lush macchia.
The Administrative Centre is Pazin with 9,227 inhabitants. The Economic Centre is Pula with 58,594 inhabitants.