Narrow streets, small squares, old houses and souvenir shops. So, this is Rovinj. Similarly as in the other Istria towns, the Italian spirit is dominating there, but in much bigger dimensions. When walking along coast, you can follow various caffees and restaurants, alluring everybody with its delicacies. Inside city centre, you can visit small picture galleries with artistic works. The businessmen, similarly as the local inhabitants, are sitting in front of their houses, and careless moments of the life are being carried to curious tourists. The excursion ships and ship-taxis transfer the passengers to the other littoral towns, and even regular transfer with Venice does not miss.

The monuments which hold the breath

When you start to discover snug corners of this picturesque town, small streets lead you to rare dominanta, St. Eufemia Cathedral. The building is situatel on a hill, composed from three ships and high bell-tower, where a statue of St. Eufemia is placed. Her body rests are to be found inside the church, together with other remarkable monuments. The environs of Cathedral is characteristic with green areas and parks, ideal for relax. From the church, marvellous view towards a sea is to be offered.

In low quarter of old town, a precious Balbi Gate is to be found. The tourists´steps lead lead to the port. Here, you can find Marshal Tito Square, including clock tower. Town Hall in Baroque style, situated just opposite, is admired in the same way. In Rovinj, St. Franciscan Order Brethren is acting, concentrated in Franciscan Monastery. The building is attractive with its Baroque style, rich library and vestments´collectiuon. The oldest building which the town could be proud on, it is St. Trinity Chapel, constructed in Romanesque style.

Who prefers arts, could be satisfied, visiting Town´s Museum, rich in archaeological findings from Rovinj and environs, collection of rare manuscripts as well as attractive pictures, the works of Croatian and Italian painters. Anyway, Rovinj is offering, except of culture activities, much more. As a self-evident matter, it is vast possibility of bath and excursions, first of all during summer saison. During holiday time period, night life is very intensive. Vast offer of entertainment could be looked after by restaurants, bars and other centres of entertainment in this littoral town.

Text/photo: Karin Bogschová

Translation: ing. Jan Jonáš