Buzet
Known as the City of Truffles, Buzet is the crown of Istria. It is situated on a hill above the eternal green Mirna River, from which it overlooks hundreds of small stone town villages that for centuries have been connected to old Buzet. It is surrounded by green hills, mysterious canyons, flower meadows and pastures, cold springs and rich life in the woods and preciousness in their soil. In fact, this is the magic territory of Istrian truffles, the buried treasures and culinary king of white and black pearls. This peculiar fungus with a specific taste is a trademark of Buzet and its surrounding area because it grows here, in the heart of its wet forests, and can be found only with the help of trained dogs. In Buzet, the biggest Omelet with truffles in the world is prepared, made up of over 2000 eggs and 10 kg of truffles, and cooked in a pan that is 2.5 meters in diameter. The Buzet area is also the place for great olive oil, exquisite wines and distinctive Istrian grappa which, served with traditional Istrian culinary recipes, fully evokes the spirit of this ancient region.
More about Buzet
The story of Buzet and its surrounding is laced with numerous legends about the great wars and the mighty rulers who have left their traces in the magnificent palaces, proud castles, ancient churches, strong walls and towers and stone inscriptions in the songs and stories of its people that have been passed on for hundreds of years. Consequently, present-day Buzet is a confluence of many lovers of history, culinary experts and sports enthusiasts who choose it as the first destination for adrenaline sports because of its top location for paragliding, parasailing, mountain biking, rock climbing, trekking, horse riding and quieter activities such as hiking or fishing on the river Mirna. Nearby there is the famous Istrian spa “Istarske toplice,” with water rich in sulfur, as well as thermal and mud baths.
History
Buzet has been inhabited since prehistoric times. During the rule of Rome it was named Pinquentum. Altars, tombstones, a cemetery, and numerous other findings were found from this period. After the Romans, the area was occupied by the Longobardi, then by Byzantium and new settlements of population began. In the 7th century, the Croats came here. In the 9th century, the Frankish conquest began and lasted until the 11th century when the area came under the authority of Carolingian counts who gave it to the Aquilean patriarch. It remained under his jurisdiction until the 15th century when it became part of the Venetian territory. The Venetians built the palaces and buildings that still exist today, as well as the walls because of the constant attacks. Soon after, the area was attacked by Turks who failed to take the town but sacked all its surroundings. Then the war of Uskoci caused big damages and the walls were restored again, as was the city and the surrounding areas. The town remained under Venetian rule until 1797 when it came under Austrian rule. The beginning of the 19th century brought a new rebuilding of the city, with the classicist houses, palaces, churches, promenade and baroque gardens that we know today. The rule of the Habsburgs lasted until the Second World War when the entire area came under control of the Italian government and went through a difficult and painful period. The rule of Italy ended with the arrival of Germany in 1943 when the population went through a difficult period once again. In 1945 the territory was freed from Nazi authorities and annexed to Yugoslavia. Since 1991, the area has been an integral part of the Croatian Republic.
Recommendations
Old Town Buzet – preserved medieval buildings from the 15th century, two city gates, Vela and Mala gates from the 16th century, the old palace of the captain with coats of arms from the 17th century, a silo with coats of arms and a cistern with Baroque decorations from the 18th century
The parish church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – from the 18th century with an organ dating back to 1787, a Gothic monstrance from the 15th century and a rich collection of silver tableware
The church of St. George – from the 17th century, with Venetian and Baroque altars, paintings of saints from the 18th century, a bell and Baroque choir stalls
The church of St. Vid – from the 17th century, with a statue of St. Vid from the15th century
Kotli and Mlini – picturesque old villages in stone with mill ruins, waterfalls and restaurants with traditional food
Hum – the smallest city in the world, home of medicinal grappa with mistletoe, only about hundred meters long and thirty meters wide, with an old castle from the 11th century, city walls, double doors with a calendar, the prefect’s stone table and chairs, and 600-year old stone Glagolitic grafts
Roč – the medieval town with stone gates, walls and five towers, Glagolitic inscriptions in stone, Roman lapidarium, a Venetian cannon, old medieval churches with wonderful frescoes and graffiti from the 14th century
Sovinjak – a beautiful medieval town situated on a plateau
Vrh – a place from which as many as 153 of Istria’s villages can be seen, known for the production of champagne and Istrian grappa with mistletoe
Pillory, Salež – the only preserved pillory in human form
Pietrapeloza castle – known as “Kosmati grad”, built in the 10th century and upgraded throughout the Middle Ages
The Church of the Holy Spirit – in late Gothic and Romanesque styles, with rich and original glazing, a Renaissance sacristy and a sanctuary with a starry vault
Učka Nature Park – a place rich in flora and fauna, which boasts of several endemic species, with exceptional archaeological treasures and old evidence of human presence that dates back 14,000 years
Events
Carnival days – days of the traditional carnival with entertainment program 05.02.-17.02.
KIK Fest Buzet – a traditional festival of vocal groups from Istria and Kvarner 27.03.
Z armoniku v Roc, Roč – international meeting of musicians – 09.05.
Walk on Učka – eco walk, three days of walking through the hills and valleys of Učka – 15.05.-17.05.
Hum Day – a traditional feast with a violin players meeting, prefect election, musical entertainment and cultural program 03.06.
Croatian Championships in hang gliding – 20.06.-26.06.
Downhill Buzet – downhill cycling championships for lovers of speed and adrenaline, 27.06.
Feast of St. Anne, Buzet – a folk festival with a fair, rich entertainment and gastronomy program 09.07.
Rokova, Ročko polje – a folk festival with entertainment and gastronomy program 16.08.
Petkovina, Buzet – Rock Festival 10.09.
Subotina – a traditional folk festival that presents the lifestyle of old Buzet (costumes, food, drinks, products, music), with the preparation of the giant Omelet with Truffles 11.09.-12.09 .
Truffle Weekend – an exhibition and fair of truffles and other domestic products with a cultural program, 06.11. to 07.11.
San Martin’s Feast- a traditional festival dedicated to young wine, 13.11.