Municipality of Žminj: Karst, History and Tradition

The municipality features karst terrain, hilly topography and distinctive soils. Žminj is considered a historic crossroads in central Istria.

Žminj Castle was probably built in the 15th century with a square ground plan. Next to the castle is the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, decorated in 1471 with artworks by an unknown artist. The ground plan describes the castle’s probable form; the year, by contrast, refers to the chapel’s decoration.

Today, a smaller part of the citadel is visible. This includes one of the four round towers, a wing of the fortification, an outer section of the fortifications and a well-preserved public water cistern dating from 1863. The visible remains therefore include various parts of the fortifications, as well as the separately identified water cistern.

The Calvary of Žminj was built of stone in 1728. It consists of three crosses enclosed by a wall and secured by an iron gate. The Calvary is in the western part of Žminj, near the road between Pazin and Pula. The castle, chapel, citadel and Calvary offer different points of interest if you are interested in architectural history and sacred art.

Route 761, Žminj–Feštini, starts beside the tower in Žminj. It passes through the square in front of the parish church of St Michael and through the old town along the old stone street “Štradi”. The tower, church square and historic street are the route’s specific landmarks in Žminj.

The route ends in front of Feštinsko kraljevstvo Cave. The cave is near Žminj, by the village of Feštini, and therefore in the surrounding area. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out.

Various exhibitions are held in the tower in Žminj, including exhibitions of handmade nativity scenes, a small tower market and exhibitions about Bartulja. If you are planning a visit, check the latest access and opening information.

Bartulja is a folk festival in Žminj with a tradition dating back at least a hundred years. The festival still includes a Mass at the Church of St Bartholomew at the entrance to Žminj. The specific programme may change.

The Istrian Pasta Festival in Žminj has a different focus. It aims to preserve and nurture the local tradition of Istrian pasta, promote native varieties and support their producers. Specific programme items may also change. Bartulja thus centres on folk festival traditions and Mass, while the Pasta Festival focuses on local varieties and their producers.

Discover more destinations: Krizanci, Tomisici, Gržini, Debeljuhi, Gradisce, Vidulini, Pifari, Cere, Žminj, Krculi, Prkačini, Šivati, Žagrići, Brkići.

When does Bartulja take place?

Bartulja takes place on the last Saturday in August. The date and programme of future editions may change, so check the details for your travel year.

What does the “Žminjska štuorija” guided tour include?

The one-hour guided tour introduces the history and customs of Žminj’s residents, their language, and the sacred and secular architectural heritage. It also includes tasting specialities from local producers and a demonstration of how Makaruni and Fuži are made. The offer is seasonal; check before travelling whether it is available on your dates.

What are the features of Feštinsko kraljevstvo Cave?

The cave has safe visitor paths with a total length of about one hundred metres. Its striking sinter formations include the “Wizard’s Hat”, the “Tower of Babel” and the “Bat’s Wing”.

For the broader travel overview: Istria County.