Along the southwestern coast of the Istrian peninsula, one can find the sleepy little town of Bale. This small town has many notable medieval buildings spread out throughout the town and to get to them, one must walk down narrow, ancient cobblestone pathways. There is so much history to be learned about Bale.
Perhaps the oldest inhabitant of the town was not a human, but a brachiosaur. It was only back in 1985 that the skeletal remains of one was found in the Porto Colone. As for human inhabitants in the area, a number of important artifacts have been discovered in the area dating back to prehistoric times, but the vast majority of the remains and ruins discovered can be traced back to the Roman Empire. The first human settlers in the area were the Illyrians. A number of bronze artifacts have been unearthed in the region to date.
Constructed atop an emerald green hill, the view in all directions around the town is nothing less than spectacular. All along this ancient coastline one can find olive trees and vineyards. As for the wildlife, there is so much to be seen in Bale. Bale is known as the city of butterflies and for good reason; one can observe more than 400 species. One will also find that Bale is home to a bird sanctuary which one can observer more than 217 different bird species.
In the St.Julian’s church, you will find a sarcophagus which dates all the way back to the 8th century and stands as a testament to the rich history that Bale has to offer any and all of its visitors. There are several medieval buildings and even a Venetian palace in this sleepy little Mediterranean town which is protected by a dozen or so medieval towers.
Photo by Vlado Ferenčić
