Pearl of Istria
Rovinj is a Croatian fishing port on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula. The old town stands on a promontory with houses glued together leading to the waterfront. A tangle of cobbled streets will take you up the hill to the church of St. Euphemia, whose tower dominates the city skyline.
Marshal Tito Square
In the southern part of the historic city center you will find a small, but still very spacious (by local standards) Square of Marshal Tito. In the middle of it you will not miss the clock tower. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the square and the adjacent harbor from one of the local cafés and restaurants.
Arco dei Balbi - the gateway to the city
During the 16th and 17th centuries, there was frequent looting in this area and the attacks came mainly from the sea. The city defended itself against the construction of massive walls and fortifications. Some remains of these walls have been preserved to this day and in Rovinj include gates, such as the Arco dei Balbi from 1680.
Winding alleys
The historic center of Rovijna is intertwined with narrow streets, none of which have a straight shape. It is these alleys that make, at least in my opinion, a city so picturesque.
Life in the historical core
Make no mistake, there is no living in the historic center of the city and that it is just a backdrop for tourists. The locals have adapted to life in a small area and use every space. For example, with the help of pulleys stretched cord between houses
Colorful houses
The houses are pressed on top of each other and the locals help each other with colors so that they do not get lost in the labyrinth of similar alleys and houses. It is a paradise for photographers, because every corner is photogenic.
To the top
The final ascent to the church of St. Euphemia and the dominant tower of the church is already peeking out.
Stone streets and houses
Stone is the main building material in Croatia. They have plenty of it everywhere, so it's no wonder that historic towns like Rovijn are mostly rocky. In the summer months, residents will appreciate that the heat does not go so easily. But during our visit to April, when it was really still cold and windy, it would probably take a job to heat such a home.
Church of St. Euphemia
At the top, where all the streets of the old town wind, in addition to the view of the surroundings, you will find the church of St. Euphemia. The church is the dominant feature of the town together with the clock tower dating from the 12th century, which in the past also served as a prison. Among the tourist destinations in Rovinj are also the remains of a fortress called Monkodonja.
Views of the surroundings
From the top you have a great view of the surrounding Adriatic Sea, but also a few islands in the distance. Rovijn also consists of, among other things, 16 small islands south of the city.
Gardens under the church
Below the church there is a picturesque garden, where you will find a café from the region and as you continue towards the edge of the walls, only the peace and quiet of the garden. We enjoyed a bit of the heat in April, because there is a lee behind the walls and so the spring sun had strength.
Squares and narrow houses
You can choose the way down back to the vortex of the city, which of the streets will appeal to you. Even in the historic center, it lives by business. You will find countless accommodations as well as cafes and restaurants, as well as shops with all kinds of goods. Sometimes the houses spread out over a few square meters to make room for a square. It is usually followed by houses with their narrowest part, often about the width of one room.