Pula Off The Beaten Path

Just out of Labin town, 35 mins walk from the bus station, you arrive at Dubrova, and the very strange sculpture park. This park on the edge of town seems mostly known to cyclists, joggers and people walking their dogs. It's overgrown and the sculptures are so far apart you get the impression you're supposed to drive through. Entrance is free. It's a strange but interesting place. If you're following the road out of Labin watch for the sign saying "Mediterannean sculpture symposium" and you're there.

Just out of Labin town, 35 mins walk from the bus station, you arrive at Dubrova, and the very strange sculpture park. This park on the edge of town seems mostly known to cyclists, joggers and people walking their dogs. It's overgrown and the sculptures are so far apart you get the impression you're supposed to drive through. Entrance is free. It's a strange but interesting place. If you're following the road out of Labin watch for the sign saying "Mediterannean sculpture symposium" and you're there.

Brioni National Park

You must visit Brioni while in Istra, if you get a chance. please, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR BATHING SUIT BEHIND as some of us stupids did!! The beaces are magnificent and you will not see such splendid clear water anywhere else. You just have to take a swim while here:)

Now, this is where Josip Broz Tito used to reside and his museum is stacked with cool things and pictures sunsh as tons of pictures of cool peole that visited him in Brioni (incl. Sophia Loren, Castro, Josephine Baker...etc)

Fore more info on Brioni you can check out my travelogue:)

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This hilltop village has only 250 people. Formation of a settlement dates back to early BC based on archaeological findings in the 1800's. The village once was surrounded by a defensive wall. A number of the houses are from 15-17th centuries. The center is anchored by the the church of St. Martin that was built in 1431. It has had a modernization, but the interior infrastructure remains, along with some frescoes from inception. The church is usually closed.
The more important is the church of St. Mary (Sveta Marija na Skirlinah) from the Middle Ages. This was the church by the cemetery and in 1474 Vincent of Kastav painted frescoes of the life of Jesus and Mary, as well as the adornment of the of saints and poses of death nell for rulers and gentry in the middle of the Dance of Death painting. In the 18th century, the walls was mortared over, so preserved a lot of the frescoes, which were re-discovered in 1913. This is by far close to equal of Giotto frescoes in Padova chapel in Italy.
You need to find the woman that opens the door to St. Mary by going to #38 house in the square, and she takes you down to the church; about 1/2 mile down the hill. Tip her for that is all she earns for this.
Take autohighway A8 to Pazin and go through it for 6 more miles on way toward Motovun.

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This Medieval town is 886 feet high on the hilltop, and has houses stringing along the road up to the old main gate entry, which is from the 14th century. The newer gate dates to the 16th century, and the defense walls are from 12-13th centuries. The St. Stephen church is the main feature up at the top, and is said to be designed by Palladio in Renaissance style, and the church built early 1600's, but the belfry is form 13th century and is part of the first church on the site. It has paintings from 17th century and marble statues of old of St. Stephen and St. Laurence.
Inside the old gate is/was a communal palace and Romanesque house that was built in 12th century, and updated in 16th and 17th centuries. Of great interest is the cemetery at the entrance that is back to early AD period. Today, there are grave laid just recently, though, and multiple family members in a plot.
The town is pretty touristy and buses come her besides. That makes it one of those you wander to the top, maybe window shops, and leave. Parking is at the foot of the hill for $3 charge; a rip for 2 hour visit. You can take a set of steps of maybe 300 or so as an alternative.
From Pula, take Auto highway 8, and go through Pazin for about 18 miles north

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This town had control of much territory in the region back in Medieval ages to about 1600. Feudal lords reigned the territory and used the other towns to support the Pazin economic needs. It sits about 400 feet on a hill and at the top is the old castle/fortress, called Castle of Pazin. It is first known to exist from writings in 983. Through about 1400 the castle was under control of local rulers, but then Austrians took over, and in 1506 Venetians took over, but destroyed much of the castle in fighting.
On one side is the most magnificent hole/abyss Jama, a unique natural monument, that has an endless bottom not seen from top level. The Karst Cliffs are sheer and steep rough limestone rock and drop down of 100 meters to the base of the Pazincia river. That river runs into a cave that forms three lakes underground and under the castle hill. The exploration of the cave and lakes is ongoing today and so far they ventured about 600 feet. The abyss never runs dry, even is the worst drought weather.
Besides the castle, which has a very fabulous and expansive ethnographic museum inside that got its start in 1955. The town also has church of St. Nicholas dating to 1266, but rebuitt in 15th and 18th centuries. The bell tower is from 1705.
Take Auto highway A8 for about 30 miles north to Pazin

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This is a coastal town and a drop off point to get to Brijuni Island, not far off the coast. The settlement dates back to Medieval times. Many ruling factions have controlled this town because of its strategic location for trading and defenses. They include Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Austrians for the major names. Fishermen still go out of this harbor daily for their small catches, but fresh daily. In the 19th century Brijuni Island came into being for its spa and seaside relaxing, so Fazana became the staging point, and tourism started then. A lot of structures are from the 18--19th centuries.
Church St. Cosmo is the major church in the town, and the boardwalk stroll is nice to do.

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The town is only 8 miles from Pula, and a nice place to see the churches and the streets with shops and everyday living. It became a military outpost for the Romans in early AD, then control was transferred territorial intruders until Venetian empire got possession in 1331. That lasted until 1797, when Austria then took over the rule.
The town has many preserved old buildings from the 17th-19th centuries. Church St. Blaize is the iconic wonder of the town, and it has the the remains of St. Blaize there for viewing. There is a small museum besides with some treasury items and religious artifacts. Palazzo Bettica is the main square with many Gothic style buildings.