Municipality of Vižinada

Vižinada is located on a hill at the southern edge of the Mirna Valley. From here, views stretch across nature, vineyards and olive groves. The municipality includes several settlements; if you would like to plan your stay around a particular one, you can find pages for Jadruhi, Lašići, Markovići, Žudetići, Vrbani, Ferenci, Staniši, Filipi, Baldaši, Bajkini, Mekiši Kod Vižinade, Vizinada and Crklada.

The hiking trails vary in length and in the places they connect. “SRCE VIŽINADE 504” is 6.9 km long and runs through Bajkini, Vranje Selo and Crklada in the southwestern part of the municipality. Along this route, visitors can stop by local winemakers and olive growers and sample their products. Another option for food and wine enthusiasts is “Viva Vino”: this 10 km wine and culinary hike passes through vineyards, olive groves, fields and wooded areas, and includes five refreshment stops.

The circular route “PRSTEN SVETOG TOME 503” climbs to the 299 m-high Sv. Tome. From there, views take in hills, hamlets, chapels, the Mirna Valley and the sea. Those looking for a shorter route with a clearly specified distance can follow “The Trail of Scenic Views”: after 3.7 km, it reaches the small 12th-century religious building of St. Vital, near its cemetery. The trail begins at the southern entrance to the town, near the Church of St. John the Baptist. This church was built in the 13th century and is one of around ten double-apsed churches in Istria.

Cycling routes and events also shape the range of leisure activities. A 123 km cycling route in Vižinada follows the restored Parenzana railway line. The Parenzana cycling marathon, held annually in mid-September, is 46.7 km long; its race section runs between Ponte Porton and Vižinada. An approximately 10 km hike is organized alongside it. These details help distinguish the different formats: a longer cycling route, a marathon with a set race section, or an additional hike.

Several historical features are located in the central square, including a stone relief of the Lion of St. Mark from the 15th century. The cistern was completed in 1782 to a design by Simone Battistella, an architect from Rovinj, and built from local limestone. It also serves as a venue for cultural events. Since 1993, the Čakavian poetry festival “Verši na šterni” has regularly been held there on the second Saturday in June. The readings feature new, previously unpublished poems, which are permanently recorded in a collection of the same name.

The Church of St. Barnabas in the town center offers another glimpse into architectural history. Its frescoes depict a Christological cycle of images, with scenes including the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, the Massacre of the Innocents, the Finding in the Temple, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. The frescoes were discovered when the church was used to store props during the filming of the war movie “Kelley’s Heroes.” The lapidarium beside Vižinada’s bell tower contains five Roman inscriptions. The bell tower next to the old Church of St. Jerome had been in existence since at least the 16th century.

The historic heritage also includes the Old Fontik, also known as the “Lav” House, and the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Božje Polje. Built in the 15th century, the Old Fontik is the oldest surviving public secular building in the municipality. The late Gothic church on Božje Polje is a single-nave building from the 15th century; its star-shaped rib vault is decorated with frescoes. On the feast of Vela Gospa, it remains a place of pilgrimage for believers from across Istria.

Local cuisine takes center stage at “Slatka Istra.” The festival is held every year on August 14, the eve of the feast of Vela Gospa, in the center of Vižinada. Traditional Istrian desserts are presented, including Fritula, Kroštula, Cukerančići, Pandešpanj, Povetica and Pinca, as well as various types of dry pastries. Alongside hiking and cycling, the date and selection give the town a distinct culinary appeal.

Carlotta Grisi offers another link to cultural history: the ballet dancer was born in 1819 in the Istrian village of Vižinada and was the first Giselle in ballet history. Together with its churches, inscriptions and poetry festival, this creates a cultural focus that can be explored independently of sporting activities.

When does “Slatka Istra” take place?

The festival takes place every year on August 14 in the center of Vižinada.

How long is the “SRCE VIŽINADE 504” hiking trail?

The trail is 6.9 km long and runs through Bajkini, Vranje Selo and Crklada.

What does the fresco cycle in St. Barnabas depict?

It includes scenes from the life of Christ, including the Nativity, Crucifixion and Resurrection.

When is “Verši na šterni” held?

The festival is regularly held on the second Saturday in June at the Battistella cistern.

For the broader travel overview: Istria County.