Gracisce Istria

Gračišće

Gračišće is a town of a very distinctive architecture and exciting history. It is situated on a bluff above Čepičko polje (a field called Čepičko), a former lake, where there is a wonderful panoramic view over the surrounding hills, Učka, Julian Alps and the Dolomites. It is located about 8 kilometers east of Pazin, on the road Pazin-Kršan-Vozilići. Gračišće is surrounded by lush greenery and the rich architectural and natural heritage. A kilometer away from the town, there is a hill called Perunčevac, which was named after the supreme god of ancient Slavs, Perun. Between Gračišće and Pićan lies a protected landscape of 570 ha of size, with some unusual geologic features, where the diversity of background, marl and limestone has led to an unusual phenomenon of detached relief, where in the marls, stream valleys are formed, while more stronger limestone builds hills that dominate the landscape.
Because of preserved medieval urban structure and numerous historical monuments, the town is legally protected. The people living in the town and the surrounding villages offer a distinctive gastronomic and enological experience, with traditional dishes and wines from their region.

History

It is known that people resided in Gračišće before the golden age of the Roman Empire. 2000 years ago ancient Gauls gave the name of Gallignana while the Slavs, after their immigration to Istria in the 6th and 7th century, called it Gračišće. Its name is mentioned for the first time in written documents in 1199. The town was once surrounded by defensive walls of which only the east tower remained (from the fifteenth century). It is well known that in the 15th century peasant-noblemen with the Croatian surnames still lived in Gračišće.
A large number of residential houses have carved dates from the 15th century, which testify of the time of their construction. Four local churches are the properties of cultural monuments. For centuries, Gračišće has been a favorite summer residence of the Bishop from Pićan, what is witnessed by the Bishop's Palace. At that time, the "municipal Authority" was developed, headed by the Prefect, judges and old men-advisors.

Recommendations

Church Sv.Marija na Placu  - built in 1425, the church is a worthy example of Gothic architecture with influences of the northern style. The interior was painted in the 15th century, and there are Gothic frescoes, wooden Romanesque crucifix from the early 13th century and Baroque facades

Church of Sv.Anton bishop of Padua -former Chapel, built in 1381, and restored in 1486 with a baroque altar.

Church of Sv.Pankracije - built in the 15th century and recently restored.

The parish church of Sv.Vid, Modesto and Kresencija- erected in the 17th century at the place of a much older church. It has three naves and seven marble altars. One of the interesting things is the statue of Sv.Vid with a model in his hand which in perspective shows the town during the 15th century. The bell-tower, 30 meters high, dates back to the 13th century. One shrine is dedicated to Sv.Eufemija with a valuable Romanesque crucifix.

Palace of the Salamon family - built in 1570, a beautiful example of Venetian Gothic style.

The route of Sv.Šimun -11km long circular route, one of the oldest hiking trails. The starting descent leads to the ruins of the church of Sv.Šimun. Along the route, the remains of an old mill can be seen, while crossing the old stone bridge travelers can reach the picturesque waterfall Sopot and a small lake. Going further up the hill top, one comes across a church of Sv.Stjepan. The path continues to the top of Mary Magdalene, where the namesake church from the 15th century is located as well as a lookout with a beautiful panorama.

The Bregi cave - the longest Istrian cave and one of the most interesting caves even for the foreign speleological expeditions. Up to now, its length has been documented up to a total of 2045 m.

Kožljak- this former town-fortress was built in the Middle Ages on a hilltop citadel, mentioned in the documents from the beginning of the 12th century by the Croatian name of Iosilach or Gosilach, at the time when it became the feud of the patriarch of Aquileia.

Romanesque parish church of Sv.Hadrian

Church of St. Cross from the 18th century

Church of Sv. Juraj at the cemetery - built in 1590.


Events

Traditional wine festival - Festival of central Istrian vineyards
Maneštra festival – making of maneštra (soup of fennel, asparagus and barley) and jota of sauerkraut
Harmonica festival – brings to life the old story about organić – name given in and around Gračišće to the harmonica.
MTB downhill Gračišće - Croatian race in downhill mountain bike, craziest Croatian (and other) cyclists downhill-skiers who fearlessly run down the Sv.Šimun road with great speed

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