The city of Vodnjan has a long history and many legends about it. The most popular of these is that the city was developed as a result of the separation of 7 villas that were part f Pula. In 932, the locals were offering Pietro Candiniano their best wines in exchange for their protection and it was because of this that the city was first recorded in the Vicus Attinianum.
While most of the Roman Era structures have all but vanished over the centuries, many of the medieval buildings are still fully intact. In the town center, one will find narrow cobblestone paths lined with medieval homes as far as the eye can see. The buildings are reminiscent of Gothic, Venetian as well as Baroque styles of architecture as is commonplace throughout most of Istria.
Today, the oldest still standing structure in Vodnjan is the St. Jacob Church which was built back in 1212. This church has played an important role in the history of not just Vodnjan, but Pula as well as most of the Istrian peninsula. The town square stands out because it is the foundation of an old castle that had once stood proudly over Vodnjan. The castle had been built in the late 4th and 5th centuries but had since been destroyed as a result of the many battles in the area during the rule of the Franks.
The city of Pula is very near to Vodnjan and most of the residents work in the big city. While there are many great things to see and do in the small peaceful village of Vodnjan, if you feel yourself needing a little more excitement, it is good to know that traveling to Pula only takes a couple of minutes but the fun to be had in Pula could last for days.
Photo by Vlado Ferenčić
