Vižinada – one of the most awe inspiring countryside in all of Istria
The views of the countryside which surrounds Vižinada are some of the most awe inspiring in all of Istria. The landscape is covered by fertile vineyards and sylvan hummocks. The luscious and fertile soils of the surrounding region only help to enhance the view in all directions.
Vižinada itself is only a thousand years old. However, beneath it lies the ancient city of Ružar. Ružar had been inhabited since the prehistoric times and continued to flourish throughout the Roman times. It would not be until the 15th century that Ružar would eventually fall and upon its historic footings, are the foundations of the Vižinada seen today.
Vižinada Kroatien
Vižinada has a very unique history surrounding it. If you go there today, you will find the St. Mary’s church which was built back in 1119. There is also a Templar’s monastery located in the city. After King Philippe that order that the Knights Templar were to be hunted and executed for their crimes, the monastery was taken over by the Maltese Knights.
Finally, this monastery would become the home to Franciscan monks of Third Order. One of the most unique parts of the old church is that above the door is the head of Attila the Hun who was rumored to have taken his own life near Vižinada.
Today in and around the city of Vižinada, you will find the Baštija harbor and the Parenzana railway which had operated from 1902 until 1935. The harbor and railway can be attributed to the growth and prosperity of Vižinada over the centuries.
The old railway has since been developed into a bicycle trail allowing one to tour the local countryside by bicycle if they so wish. The city is an interesting blend of modern and ancient times making it a unique choice when it comes to visiting Istria.
