Buje
The territory of Buje is an irresistible experience filled with colours, scents and flavours. This is the territory of green vineyards, of the emerald rivers Mirna and Dragonja, of soft-green terraces planted with olive trees, of dense oak forests, of pine trees and fields of sweet Mediterranean herbs, of mysterious caves and proud stone towns on hills. Formerly known as the Guard of Istria, Buje is a place of rich history which dates back to the Bronze Age, it is a place which remoulds itself through stone castles, raises itself in Roman roads, becomes stronger in its medieval buildings and has survived the lavish Venetian days and Austro-Hungarian pride.
More about Buje
The combination of this rich country, the unique micro-climate, the unspoiled nature, the abundance of sweet freshwater and the warm Mediterranean sun is of an exceptional value that abundantly bestows its inhabitants. The territory of Buje is home to excellent wines that are known far and wide. This is home to one of the finest extra virgin olive oils in the world and of the king of the woods – His Majesty the Truffle. Due to its unique beauty and plenitude of gifts, the territory of Bujština is rich in agrotourism, vacation homes, and excellent restaurants and taverns. Here you will taste smoked ham dried in the Bora wind and dishes with game, white truffles, fragrant vegetables, homemade pasta, wild asparagus and mushrooms, spiced with olive oil and excellent wines. Lovers of a more relaxed holiday can enjoy long walks interrupted only by the pleasure of eating and drinking. The more active will be engaged in activities such as cycling, riding, caving and many other adventures.
History
The existence of life in the Buje territory was first recorded in the Palaeolithic Age. In the Bronze Age, prehistoric structures were built, about twenty of which were found. Histri inhabited citadels until the arrival of the Romans. During that period, some villages disappeared while others became towns. In addition to archaeological findings, the Roman rule left its traces in the names of villages such as Castelvenere, dedicated to a pagan goddess. After the Fall of Rome in the 5th century, the Ostrogoths came to power and then were replaced by the Byzantines in the 6th century. During that period, defence systems for enhancing the security of villages were built. Franks came in the 8th century and the inhabitants were introduced to a new feudal system. Buje fell under the rule of the patriarch of Aquileia in the 10th century, when the name of Buje was mentioned for the first time. The Middle Ages were marked by the intense construction of houses, palaces, towers and walls. In the early 15th century, after a long period of resistance, Buje finally fell under the rule of Venice, which destroyed the city’s walls and towers but built new buildings. This century brought the immigration of Croats, Albanians and Montenegrins who were fleeing from the Turks.
With the fall of Venice in the late 18th century, the area came under a brief French rule and later became part of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, when the famous Parenzana Railway was built and the economy flourished. After the First World War, the Buje area was occupied by Italy and the local population was hit by a difficult period which lasted until the Second World War, when the Italians joined the Germans. Liberation came for the locals in 1945 when Buje and its surroundings became part of the Free Zone of Trieste and soon after an integral part of the former Yugoslavia. With its declaration of independence in 1991, Buje became an integral part of Croatia as well.
Recommendations
Buje, theOld Town – With its Venetian palaces, city walls, a 15th century tower , medieval architecture and a rich ethnographic museum
Buje, the Church of St. Servolo – A baroque church built in the 16th century, with wooden statues from the 14th and 15th centuries, a bell tower from the 16th century and many antique findings
Buje, the Church of Our Lady of Mercy – Built in the 16th century, with a Gothic wooden statue and valuable paintings
Momjan – The city boasts a castle from the 13th century, a preserved tower and traces of a stone bridge, the church of St. Martin from the 15th century, and a wide selection of wines from well-known winemakers
Kaštel – Also known as Castelvenere, a former necropolis, with a beautiful OldTown and with visible antique finds
Kršete – A place where you can see Roman findings and the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul from the 16th century, with two stone reliefs
Krasica – The area is known as a rich prehistoric site, with some ruins and numerous findings. Nearby there are the ruins of the ancient Castrum Lionisa, Kastiona
Wines – Bujština is known as a wine territory with excellent wines, of which we recommend Malvasia, Teran, Refošk and especially Momjan’s Muscat, which is unique in the world
Events
Luganinada, Marušići – The Festival of Istrian sausage with a rich culinary and wine offer 22.01.-24.01.
Carnival events – Carnival days with a rich gastronomic offer and entertainment 13.02.-17.02.
Oleum Olivarum – An international event dedicated to olive oil 13.04.-14.04.
Šparogada – A traditional event with a rich gastronomic offer, entertainment and a competition in preparing the best asparagus dishes 09.04.-11.04.
Cultural summer -Concerts, exhibitions,the entertainment program lasts from May to August
Films & Wine – An amateur short-film festival 06.08.
Festival Vizura Aperta – an international festival of contemporary art 31.07.-07.08.
In the realm of Muscat – Oenological and cultural events with Muscat of Momjan tastings and an artistic program
Grape Days – The traditional event is dedicated to grapes, with plenty of entertainment, cultural, culinary and wine-related events 17.09.-19.09.
Saint Martin, Momjan – The young wine holiday , with wine tastings 11.11.-14.11.