The village of Savudrija is a small yet romantic choice for those who just want to get away from all of the hustle and bustle of big city living. Situated on a small peninsula that jolts out into the sea, the surrounding area is filled with some of the most awe-inspiring green fields and many different vineyards. The pride and joy of this sleepy little village is a lighthouse which was built back in 181 by an Austrian celebrity who had fallen in love with a local girl. The lighthouse stands 36 meter tall and it was to be the very first lighthouse in all of Europe that was lit using gas.
The area that is now Savudrija has been inhabited for centuries with some of the oldest known settlements dating back more than 11,000 years ago. Many stone items of the time have been unearthed in one archeological dig after another. During the Roman Era, more construction in the area using the latest techniques helped to reshape the city into the Savudrija we see today. The harbor and the breakwaters are some of the oldest man made additions to the city.
During the middle ages, Savudrija saw the plague, malaria and a host of other diseases. It also brought many wars and attacks against the city. At the start of the 9th century, one of the most famous maritime battles between the Croatians and the Venetians took place in the waters just off shore of Savudrija. By the end of the century, the city would be invaded and robbed of all its treasures by pirates.
There are many great places and treasures still to be seen and found within the ancient walls of this quaint village by the sea. For those who scuba dive, you can check out the lost town of Siparis which sank beneath the sea back in 876 A.D.
Photo by Tony N.
