Novigrad, Croatia

Novigrad is located in Western Croatia in the County of Istria on a small peninsula near the border of Slovenia. It’s also known as “Novigrad Istarski” since there are three (3) other towns in Croatia by the same name.Novigrad

This small fishing village has terrific restaurants and gorgeous scenery with plentiful vineyards and olive groves. Wines produced here are on par with Italy.

A stone clock tower is the main structure in the central town square where you will find plenty of fine food such as pasta and fresh seafood. A walk on the beach along the beautiful bay is a great way to spend some time or rent a small boat and explore the waters.

 

 

A Bit of History on Novigrad

Ancient history records that in the area where Novigrad is located there was a city called Aemona. It was the center of trade between this area of the world and the Roman Empire.

Due to the threat of attacks during the Roman Empire time period, a fortified village was built for defensive purposes. In the fifth (5th) century, it was an important economic and political center as well as the center of the diocese.

In the fifth (5th) and sixth (6th) centuries Novigrad was known by the name, Neapolis.

It was the central location of feudalism in the eighth (8th) century while under Frankish rule. From the tenth (10th) century to the end of the twelfth (12th) century It was under the authority of Germany.

From 1270 to the late eighteenth (18th) century it was under the rule of the Venetian Republic. At that time it was given the Italian name of Cittanova. In the fourteenth (14th) century conflict with Genoa resulted in the destruction of the town.

Novigrad was attacked by the Turkish army in the late seventeenth (17th) century, and its name was changed after the fall of Venice in the late eighteenth (18th) century.

Napoleon arrived early in the nineteenth (19th) century but was quickly replaced by the Habsburgs who stayed there until the early twentieth (20th) century.

It was then under Italian control but became part of Yugoslavia at the end of World War II.

Although tourism is currently its main economic activity, up to the 1960s its main industries were agriculture and fishing.

The Republic of Croatia annexed Novigrad in 1991.

Some interesting Facts 

  • The population is approximately 4,345
  • Many homes were built in the Venetian Gothic style
  • The town retains its medieval layout and structure with its small shops and narrow winding streets
  • It is one of the most northern towns on the Croatian coast on top of the Istrian peninsula
  • Pula Airport is the nearest airport and it is best to rent a car as public transportation is not consistent and taxis are expensive
  • There are several excellent restaurants of high quality that serve fresh seafood.  These are some of the best seafood restaurants Istria.
  • The town is easy to get around in by walking or by bicycle. An electrical tourist train is available between the harbor and the hotels
  • Located about equidistant from Porec and Umag, Novigrad is often overlooked by tourists and provides a much less hectic setting
  • June and September are the best time to visit as July and August are very warm, more crowded, and prices are higher
  • For internet access, several bars have free Wi-Fi and there are three free WiFi hot spot zones in the center of the town: in harbor Mandrac, near the church at the main square, and near the market.
  • The town beach has sunbathing platforms and Karpinjan is a pebble beach just north of downtown
  • The Gnam Festival is a gourmet festival taking place a few times per year with plenty of fine foods, local wine, and olive oil, with an array of handicrafts and souvenirs from local sources. Located in the town harbor with traditional dancing and live music.
  • Vitriol and Waikiki Beach Bar are two of the favorite bars in town

Things to Do and See in Novigrad

* Church of St Pelagius and St Maximus — one of the main landmarks in town is its bell tower constructed in 1883. Built just prior to the eighteenth (18th) century and located by the main square, it contains the only Roman crypt in Istria.

* Lapidarium Museum — it houses a few of the Roman artifacts that were discovered in the above-mentioned Roman crypt. It holds several events during the year as well as many contemporary exhibitions. The museum was designed by Rendic and Turato.

* The Town Walls — constructed as part of the fortification of the town during the Roman Empire, had at one time encircled the entire town. Parts of them now remain.

* Istralandia — this is a water park located 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from the center of town. It is an enjoyable experience for the entire family. It has six (6) pools, water slides, beach volleyball, beach football, courses, workshops, and many other attractions.

* Gallerion — this is a museum focused on naval wars and maritime history. It was opened by Otto van Habsburg in 2007. It focuses on the Austro-Hungarian presence in the Adriatic covering the time period from Napoleon to the end of World War I. You will find weapons, uniforms, model ships, as well as explanations of battles.

* Cuisine — the food is excellent in Novigrad. Damir i Omella is known for its ‘from sea to plate’ offerings. It is a very small (6 tables) but very homey restaurant. They have the highest quality and freshness of food which they have termed,

‘Mediterranean sashimi’. Marina, run by chef Marina Gasi, serves excellent seafood as well. Another very good seafood restaurant is Konoba Cok.

* British Warship — this ship, the HMS Coriolanus, was sunk off the coast near the end of World War II. It hit a mine and was sunk in May 1945. It is now a popular dive site and can be explored.

* Belistra Waters Sports Center — here you can jet ski, take a banana boat ride, rent a canoe or wakeboard, go parasailing, windsurfing or paragliding.

* The Observatory of Visnjan — this world-famous observatory is located in the village of Visnjan. There are workshops, tours, and viewing sessions available. Due to the lack of light pollution in this part of Istria, asteroids, comets, and minor planets have been discovered here.

* Macumba Beach Club — this club overlooks the sea at Mareda and offers entertainment during the day and night. Swimming, sunbathing, good food, and a DJ in the evening.

* Moreno Ivancic Winery — located on the edge of town this is a small family-run winery with a nice selection of reds and whites as well as rakija, which is a strong, clear, fruit-based spirit.

* Check-out Old Town — easy to get around by walking or by bike. Take an enjoyable stroll along the medieval fortification walls, and along the seafront. There are several town gates, defense towers, and secret passages to explore. The Venetian Loggia (the place where the nobles and rulers relaxed and made commercial and financial decisions) is the only one remaining on the Istrian coast.

* Cycling — this is a great area to bike around and there are a couple of interesting cycling trails as well. A longer trail takes you from Novigrad to the Motovun forests passing along the river Mirna, and returning through the town of Nova Vas or ascending to the village of Zavrsje through Groznjan toward Buje and arriving back to Novigrad ((37.2 miles or 60 kilometers). A shorter trail (9.9 miles or 16 kilometers) takes you along the sea to the village of Dajla and heads back the same way or you can cut over inland to the village of Buzinija.

* Boat Trip — a fun thing to do is take a day excursion from Novigrad to Rovinj checking out the west coast of Istria from a different viewpoint. Lunch and drinks are included for a day of swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

* Diving — a few miles off the coast there are a few really good diving spots. Other than the shipwrecked Coriolanus, there is Savudrija where the site is protected by an enclosed cage (the local diving center has the key). Here you will find some interesting reefs and ancient amphorae (tall ancient Roman or Greet jar). Cape Lanterna, south of Novigrad, has a diving site filled with plenty of fauna and flora. It’s also an ideal place for beginners.

* Deep Sea Fishing — sport fishing is popular in the area and there are boats that provide a full day of fishing for big game such as albacore, tuna, and Luc in the northern Adriatic Sea.

 

Why Visit Novigrad?Novigrad

 

This is a very beautiful, romantic town on the Adriatic coast in Istria. Its harbor (Mandrac) and waterfront are dotted with many fine restaurants and cafes.

There are many fine beaches along the coast for swimming, sunbathing, and other water sports.

You have a wide choice of accommodations in Novigrad including hotels, guest houses, villas/vacation homes, apartments, and several camping areas.

Aminess Maravea Camping Resort is a popular choice and they have mobile homes for rent as well.

The nice thing about this area is that it is relatively undiscovered compared to the surrounding resort areas. This town is one of the most charming places to relax by the sea.

Also, you can take a day trip and visit some of the local villages such as Buje, Hum, Groznjan, and Motovun.

This just may be a part of the world that you may desire to put on your destination list.

Happy travels,

Joseph William

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2 thoughts on “Novigrad, Croatia”

  1. I’ve always dreamt to go to Croatia! And now that you give us this wonderful article, I just feel like going there again! I just don’t know if I’ll like the cuisine because I don’t like sashimi. No way! But you stirred my curiosity because most of the house are built in a gothic style, and I like everything medieval. I might go there very soon!

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