Istria
Istria (Croatian: Istra) is the north-westernmost region of Croatia. In a triangular shape, it is bounded in the north by Slovenia, east by the Kvarner region of Croatia and on the south and west by the Adriatic Sea.After defeating the Illyrian Histri people the Romans settled in the peninsula and left a large inheritance turning Pula into an significant organizational centre and building villas, amphiteatres and temples. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, the central land remained a feudal region occupied by Slavs, Byzantines and finally Austrian Habsburgs, whilst the shore fell under control of the Republic of Venice in the 13th century.
Since 1797, the Croatian residents of Istria struggled for sovereignty and were brutally oppressed both by Austrians and Fascist Italy (after World War I), finally ending with vengeance from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II. A tiny ethnic Italian community still lives in the coastal towns. fairly spared from the Yugoslav Wars, Istria is now a affluent region. Recent years have seen a rising regional sentiment and a reunion with its previously conflictive Italian character.
Nature:
The inner area is unspoiled and mountainous with very old walled cities on the top of hills with surrounding fields. The Istrian seashore is arguably the most urbanized tourist target in Croatia.
Although Pula is the main municipality according to population and culture, relatively rural Pazin is the managerial hub of the peninsula. The Southern end of Istria is possibly the best area for biking. Ask for a bike map in Pula Tourist Office, showing well-marked routes around the coast and in the Cape Kamenjak.
Language
Croatian is the official and most common language, but in these previously Venetian lands Italian is almost universally spoken. There is still an Italian ethnic community in many coastal towns. German is also very widely spoken. A good number of restaurants in the main town also have an English speaker or two.
Tourist attractions in Istria
Roman structures in Pula, including the Arena and Forum. The old Venetian town of Rovinj. St Euphrasius Basilica in Poreč. Hill-top villages of Groznjan and Motovun, populated by artistSs.Visit Lovran, Istria, near Opatija, for the Days of Cherries Festival in June. Attend a music or folklore concert in the unique atmosphere of the Pula Arena. Motovun Film event Motovun, Istria
Istrian Cuisine
Istrian gastronomy is known by its incredible diversity. Pasta, gnocchi, risotto and polenta, as well as its superb vegetables (which can be found, at a cheap price, in any of the numerous open-air markets present in almost every Istrian town), go together with main dishes, as an Italian heritage. Especially, Istrian peppers have international recognition.Istria Wines and Drinks
Istria is a land of vineyards. Wines are sweet and fruity, with a wide variety of grapes present, such as white malvasia, red teran and muscat. Regional liquor grappa is widely produced in here, with several varieties available.
Cities in Istria: Buje, Motovun, Pazin, Poreč, Pula, Rovinj, Umag
Other destinations in Istria: Beram, Brijuni, Limski kanal,
About Istria
Istria is indeed a feast for the eyes. Its streams flow to the sea through mysterious valleys and gullies which bring to mind the ancient local myths about giants. The view is splendid: white-topped mountains, flourishing wheat fields, plateaux, valleys, vineyards and olive groves on hillsides, and, finally the sea.position of IstriaIstria is the westernmost district of the Republic of Croatia. The biggest peninsula of the Adriatic.
Its Population is 206,344. The official Language is Croatian. Coast Length is 445 km (coast is twice as long as the road one), Notable Rivers include Mirna, Dragonja and Raša.
Vegetation
Istria is the biggest green oasis of the North Adriatic. The coast and the islands are covered with pine forests and easily recognizable green macchia. The main specimens of macchia are holm oak and strawberry trees 35% of Istria is covered with forests.
