If you wish to relax and enjoy away from the noise and the crowd, you have arrived at the perfect location. You will fall in love with the authenticity and tranquility of these towns, romantic beaches, gastronomic offer, and most of all in hospitality and cordiality of local people.
First records on Galižana stem from the prehistoric age when it was the centre of the Pula colonial ager. It was a crossing point of Roman Decumanus and Cardo maximus streets. Prehistorical traces are seen in architecture and the erection of settlements with the biggest Istrian 'kažun' standing even today. These are small round houses with a corbelled roof which were used as shepherd and farmer shelters
.Apart from kažun, there are several other historical monuments in Galižana which capture one's imagination and lead to time machine daydreaming. It is the 10th century Church of St. Anthony and the Giocondo Petris Palace from 1676 with an opulent Baroque balcony on its front.
There are several more interesting structures.
The parish church of St. Rocco was built in 1613, and its 36m high belfry dates from the 17th century. The church of St. Joseph erected in the 9th century was renovated and expanded in the 14th century.
Let's return to the present!
This agricultural area occupied mainly by vineyards, olive groves and cattles offers splendid homemade products. You will enjoy in tasting excellent domestic wines, high quality olive oils, cheeses and other homemade products.
During your stay at our Villa Lorraine located in this magnificent area, you may visit towns of Fažana and Pula. National Park Brijuni is also ideal for taking a one-day trip.
An interesting event called 'Nights of Galižana' takes place here in summer. This event celebrates old customs, folklore and gastronomic offer of this region.
In October, people of Galižana organize a traditional snail festival during which you may taste the snail omelette as well as take a part in the 10 km long cycling race.
Galižana is a part of the town of Vodnjan.
Vodnjan is situated on the west coast, some 10 km north of Pula. According to the legend, the town rose by joining seven villas. Fairy tale like, isn't it?
The historical urban core of Vodnjan consists of a characteristic medieval structure with an atrium and narrow alleys between which are houses with granite facades. Buildings and churches show numeorus styles including Gothic, Venetian Reneissance and Baroque.
A large square in the town centre consists today of interesting structures such as the Neo-Gothic town hall, the Benussi House, the Bembo House, and the Bradamante Palace with the elaborately decorated front.
The inner town area gives away this special beauty characterized by Gothic Venetian alleys and cobbled streets as well as numerous churches with rich history, inside and outside.
Fažana is a small fishing town located on the south-west coast of the Istrian peninsula opposite National Park Brijuni. Numerous tourists have named it 'a small Adriatic jewel', which best shows the vividness and the beauty of this town characterized by a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.
Fažana is only 5 km away from our Villa Lorraine and 8 km from the city of Pula.
The walk through the old town centre of Fažana is a special experience. You will have an opportunity to see the 16th century medieval parish church which connects the Gothic art and Mediterranean architecture. Small chapels and ancient Roman houses will delight you. Be sure to visit the cemetary and the small church of St. Elisée, which incredibly dates back from the 6th century.
Fažana and its surrounding are ideal for long walks and bike rides. There are established cycling routes running through the inspiring landscape perfect for recharging one's batteries and escaping from everyday stress.
If you visit Fažana in September, you can take part in the cycling event called 'South on Two Wheels'. The registration for these family routes envisaged for getting to know the south of Istria more closely is free of charge.
After a long walk or a bike ride, you can relax in excellent restaurants or coffee shops.
During several days in August, you can enjoy crafts and folklore typical for the area. The town promenade features stalls with items which will surely grab your attention.
Do not miss the joy of visiting some of Fažana beaches. You can rent a sun lounger and a sun umbrella, refresh yourself or have fun in popular beach bars.
Not far from Fažana is Bi Village. It is a large four star camp, a complex with indoor pools, discotheques, entertainment, etc.
One of the best excursions in your life will definitely be the visit to National Park Brijuni. Board the daily ship from Fažana to Veli Brijun. During this short 15 minute ride you can enjoy the view of the magnificent Brijuni islands. After disembarking in the Veli Brijun harbour, you will be met by a guide and hop on a tourist train to take apeek into a magical world of Brijuni.
I'm sure we have convinced you that Fažana is truly a real jewel on the Adriatic coast. Authenticity, cordiality of its inhabitants, non-presence of mass tourism, superb gastronomy, and the family atmosphere invite you to put Fažana on the list of your must-see places as soon as possible.
Pula is one of the main tourist destinations in Croatia. This city of rich history and its 60,000 inhabitants is situated on the beautiful Istrian peninsula.
The history of Pula started some 3,000 years ago. On the hill top which today houses the Venetian fort Kaštel, there used to be a fort of the Histri. Numerous rulers of Pula had changed since then.
The spirit of Roman heritage is felt throughout the city today, and can be seen at every turn.
The main must-see attraction in Pula and one of the best known monuments in Croatia is the Pula Arena (Amphitheatre). Although this architectural miracle dates back to the first century AD, it is still well preserved. Actually, it is one of the biggest and the best preserved amphitheatres in the world. It was used for tournaments during the Middle Ages, which is one of the key reasons it has survived until the present day.
During the Roman period, Pula was the administration centre of the Roman empire, and the Forum, which still exists, was the main square during the era. More than 2000 year old Temple of Augustus, dedicated to the namesake Roman Emperor, is located on the Forum.
The Church of Our Lady of the Sea is another popular tourist attraction in Pula. This Romanesque church was built in the late 19th century. It features a very unusual external wall cladding built from a traditional white stone and beautiful pink marble. The church interior is also stunning with numerous elements preserved in their original form for more than a hundred years.
Another of our recommendations is to see the Triumphal Arch of the Sergi (often called the Golden Gate), built by the Sergi, the powerful Roman family, located in the city centre.
One of the most important cultural structures is definitely the Archaeological Museum of Istria established in 1902. The Museum has a valuable collection of ancient stone sculptures, ceramics and items made of ancient metals, which were found in the nearby archaeological areas. It also includes a unique complex with a large library, which hosts various thematic events.
After sightseeing and enjoying the rich history of Pula, it is time for some refreshments.
As tourism, wine and fishing are main businesses in Pula, the restaurants' offer is superb. Gastronomy in Pula is considered a luxury for all senses. Based on Mediterranean cuisine, with Italian, Spanish and Greek influences resulting in unique flavours.
Regardless of what you decide to visit in Pula, we believe you will be fascinated by a unique blend of ancient culture and the urban way of life. The walk along the Lungomare in Pula must not be missed. The Lungomare promenade in Pula stretches along three city beaches – Valkana, Gortan Bay and Valsaline, which offer a romantic sunset while walking between a dense pine forest on one side and a rocky sea shore on the other. This promenade is most romantic in the dusk, when the joy of a perfect sunset is the greatest.
