Umag

Umag offers the perfect vacation – great enticing wines from local producers, dishes made from fresh the ingredients of fertile fields, the freshness of the sea, with a beautiful view of the unique nature. Its nightlife has a variety of excellent music and dance nights, exhibitions, performances and concerts that bring the most excellent artists, while the folk festivals present all the joy of living of the local population. What makes Umag a well-known place is its many sporting activities – from the top world of tennis to relaxing in the embrace of the sea. Here it is possible to experience all the nuances of the active and entertaining vacation that only Umag can offer.

History
It is assumed that the larger area has been inhabited since the early Stone Age. In the vicinity, characteristic stone tools were found, such as blades, scrapers and the like. Settlements were found from the Copper and Iron Age – former forts that were populated by the Histri, an ancient tribe that lived in Istria. In 177 the Histri were defeated by the Romans, who left behind numerous buildings, from luxurious villas, commercial buildings, to statues and precious objects from everyday life. In that period Umag was an island separated from the mainland by a narrow channel and surrounded by ramparts. It was mentioned for the first time in the 7th century during the Byzantine rule, as Humagum. Shortly after that it fell into the hands of the Longobards but it was then again conquered by the Byzantines, and finally ended up under the authority of the Franks. In 876 Umag was attacked by Croats and it was almost completely destroyed. After the departure of the Franks, Umag fell into the hands of the patriarch of Aquileia. The moving bridge, between the island and villages on the coast, was built in the 10th century.

Umag fell under the government of Venice in the 13th century, where it remained until the end of the 18th century. Then the territory was taken by Austria. With Napoleon’s arrival in 1805, Umag was briefly under French rule and ten years later it was under the rule of the powerful Austro-Hungarian Empire. Then progress began – agricultural reforms were introduced as well as modern navigation and industrialization. After one hundred years of rule, ending at the end of the First World War, Umag fell under the rule of Italy. The Second World War brought new sufferings and its end lead Umag to a new territorial appartenence – it became an integral part of zone B, the free territory of Trieste, under the direction of Yugoslavia. It was annexed to Yugoslavia only in 1954. It remained part of Yugoslavia until 1991 when it finally became part of the modern Croatia.

Recommendations
Old town – the Old Town of Umag abounds with medieval architecture

City Museum – located in the medieval tower, it is the home of an impressive collection of antique items and a valuable exposition place for contemporary artists

Seget –  with a baroque-classicist style villa from the 18th century, a chapel from the 17th century and the old tower

Sepomaia – the ancient port of the ancient village, with a luxurious villa, mosaics, and many antique items

Church St.Pelegrin – built in the 14th century

Church of St. Nicholas – built in the 13th century

St. Rocco Church – from the 16th century with a painted wooden ceiling

Church of St. Mary – from the 15th century with beautiful frescoes

Castle Sipar – part of the disappeared city Siparis, the remains of the city today are under the sea

Events
Day St.Pelegrin – folk and religious festival with a rich entertainment and gastronomy program 01.05.

Day of open wine cellars – wine presentation of the Umag region 23.05.

Umagoloud – festival of sound and urban art 27.06.

UmaGOblues – a music festival with a rich gastronomic offer 13.06.-16.07.

Istrian Gourmet and Jazz Festival – jazz music and culinary experience 18.07.-24.07.

ATP tournament – the famous international tennis tournament 26.07.-01.08.

Sepomaia viva – Festival of the Antique 02.08.-03.08.

Feast of the Assumption – a traditional folk festival 14.08.-15.08.

Umag nights – a rich cultural and entertainment program 18.08.-20.08.

Organum Histriae – Festival of organs and organ music 21.08.-27.08.