Moscenicka Draga
Where mountains and sea are one, where the lush green colour changes into a deep blue and the mighty gorges transform into gentle pebbles, there is the territory of Mošćenica. Former Liburnija, home of the ancient navigators Liburns, is still breathing in the rhythm of the sea and the past times. Every place has a distinctive charm, which will remain in your memory for a long time. Mošćenička draga boasts beautiful beaches, old romantic villas and rich historical core.
More about Moscenicka Draga
Mošćenice, medieval town full of charm, is famous for its medieval architecture, but also for the single entrance into the city because on all the other sides the gorges precipitate deep into the sea. Brseč offers a time machine to the old days, walking through the narrow stone streets, the proud edifices, ancient castle and old churches. The old stone villages in the hinterland offer fairy-tale atmosphere. Some have been abandoned for a long time and some still tell a story about the old Illyrian gods, as does the old village Trebišće. This is a village deprived of sun, still in the shadow because of the eternal God of Thunder, God Perun, at that time the supreme god whose name the hill Perun still bears today.
Besides its rich history, the area is ideal for sport lovers. The local hiking trails and cliffs are a favorite destination for mountaineering, climbing, mountain biking and walking while the sea shore offers lots of activities as well as the tranquillity of the sound of waves beneath a rich shade of greenery. Local cuisine is a real challenge for taste lovers, describing in the best possible way the history, tradition and richness of this truly beautiful area.
History
The area was inhabited in prehistoric times. In many places there are still visible remnants of old villages, forts, both on shore and on the hills. The peculiarity of all villages is that, because of the characteristic terrain, they were built exclusively on the slopes or along the edge of the field in order to allow for as much arable land as possible. The territory is known as Liburnija according to the population of Liburni, excellent farmers and specially skilled sailors from this region whose speed boats were well known all around. After the arrival of the Romans, after many skirmishes, the Liburni population were defeated by the Romans. The Romans, impressed by their boats, inserted them in their war fleet and called them Liburnians. The Roman rule brought the expansion and improvement of existing settlements and construction of new towns. In the 7th century, the Croats came to this territory and one hundred years later became part of Croatia. In early 12th century, after the fall of the Croatian state, Liburnija became part of the German Empire. In the 15th century, the territory belonged to the family of the Habsburgs under which it remained until the 17th century when the territory was passed on to the Jesuits from Rijeka. The year 1848 brings the end of feudalism and makes way for new modern times. After the short French rule, the territory became a part of Hungary Austrian Empire during whose reign the revival of this region began. The Italian government, like in other parts of Istria, brought a difficult period that lasted until the liberation in 1945, when the territory became an integral part of the former Yugoslavia and finally a part of Croatia in 1991.
Recommendations
The Church of St. Peter – with visible remains of the abbey and the stone for the holy water from 1573 with Glagolitic inscription
Austrian villas – hundred-year old villas, impressive architecture with romantic gardens
Mošćenice, Saint Sebastian Church – from 1501, with characteristic porches
Mošćenice, the old core – a remarkable example of medieval architecture
Mošćenice,Mošćenički toš – olive mill, more than 300 years old
Brseč, Castle and the old town – with a typical medieval architecture
Brseč, the parish church of St. George – with Gothic frescoes from the 15th century
Events
Carnival – a traditional carnival, 19.02.-21.02.
Mošćenice, Kandelora- the largest religious holiday 04.02.
Marinina, Sv.Marina Festival – traditional festival with musical and gastronomic offer 17.07.
Regatta of traditional boats – traditional regatta, 17.07.
Fisherman’s Night – folk festival with music and gastronomic offer 25.7.
Mošćenički pinel – the international art colony 22.08.-29.08.
Jazz-blues festival – sailing festival of jazz and blues music, 05.07.-06.07.