Tuesday, September 10 2024

Situated upon a hill in the northwestern part of Istria, one can find the historic village of Oprtalj. It was the economic center of the region throughout the medieval times and often changed hands from one feudal master to another and then finally to the church. At the start of the 19th century, Oprtalj fell under Venetian control; just as most of Istria did at the time.

There is a plethora of old ruins and sights to visit throughout the countryside that surrounds Oprtalj which is why every year, countless tourists make their way to this quaint Croatian village.

Oprtalj photo
Photo by Darrell Godliman

Oprtalj, Istria, Croatia

You will find pedestrian paths weaving their way throughout the area and leading you from one winery to the next. For those who are looking for peace and quiet, and the opportunity to get away from the major cities, Oprtalj offers that to you and so much more.

While not the smallest municipality in Istria, Oprtalj does have one of the lowest populations in the area. It features amazing views, steep cliffs and sunny slopes that make the view in any direction, simply stunning. There have been more than 20 churches built in and around the city over the centuries and while some of them still stand today, the others can be found in ruins, spread out throughout the countryside.

The oldest still standing structures today were built during the 14th and 15th centuries, while the history of the region has been dated back to prehistoric times. The earliest recorded information on the existence of Oprtalj was in 1115.

There are a lot of things one can see and do in and around the city which has made it an excellent choice for many people wanting to get away and just relax and enjoy nature the way that it was meant to be experienced.

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