Valamar Blog

Istra Terra Magica – the magical land of Istria is a peninsula which was formed as a result of two mainland territories colliding way back in the ancient times. Nowadays, the western Istrian landscape consists of plains; the centre of the peninsula is covered with numerous hills and the eastern part of it is known for even more notable hills and the Cicarija Mountain. You can discover Istria and its beautiful landscapes by car, bicycle or on foot. Each of the aforementioned ways has its own advantages. Choose one and set off on an adventure of discovering the ancient myths as well as the stories and legends which are a part of our history.

Let us set off toward Roc, a village originating from the prehistoric period, located on the Rijeka - Buzet - Buje road. In the Middle Ages this used to be a fort and a centre of Glagolitic activities. Roc was protected and proclaimed a cultural monument of great significance and in case you plan on visiting it one day, don’t miss the second Sunday in May when the International Meeting of Diatonic Accordion Players (triestina accordion) is held in Roc.

The Glagolitic alley consisting of ten stone monuments dedicated to the Glagolitic script and the Glagolitics begins at the foot of the town of Roc. The pillar of the Chakavian Parliament is the first monument in the Glagotilic alley, and others continue from there on until the town of Hum where the alley ends with the last monument, the town gate.

And that leads us to Hum, the smallest town in the world, which was first mentioned as early as the 11th century. The way the town looks today was completed in the beginning of the 19th century with the construction of the parish church and it didn’t expand outside the town walls to this day, making it, due to its size (length of around one hundred and width of 35 metres), the smallest town in the world.

On your way back from Hum, discover the beautiful landscape of the Kotli excursion site. The village of Kotli used to be the best economically developed village in the Hum region with well-known millers and tailors. The village of Kotli is uninhabited today and it is protected as a rural environment. River Mirna flows through the village, falling over the rocks, forming waterfalls and creating circular (kotlasti) indents (shapes the village was named after) in the stone. Also, don’t miss out on the opportunity and visit a local tavern and try the Istrian specialties.