We stayed close to home today and enjoyed exploring Rovinj, Croatia. I am copying some of the history on Rovinj. It is an amazing place and you might be interested in it's history. As American's, it's hard to wrap our minds around this type of history.
Rovinj was founded in the period from the 3rd century to the 5th century, according to archaeological findings, the surroundings of today's Rovinj were already inhabited in the prehistoric period - the Bronze and Iron Ages, when the Histri culture flourished in Istria, who lived there and traded with the Greeks and Etruscans . The latest accidental findings point to the existence of life already at the turn of the II century. in the 1st millennium on the very island (since 1763 a peninsula) on which today's Rovinj is located.
After the peaceful reign of the Roman Empire , and before the onslaught of Visigoths, Huns, Goths and Byzantines, the ancient Romans, in search of security, settled the islands of Mons Albanus, St. Katerina, St. Andrije and Ciss. The island of Cissa is first mentioned by Pliny the Elder , and it is said to have sunk during major earthquakes in the second half of the 8th century.
Castrum Rubini located on the site of today's church of St. Euphemia , formerly the church of St. Juraj, becomes Ruigno, Ruginio, Ruvigno and survives devastating attacks from land and sea: Slavs (Domagoj 876), Neretva (865 and 887) and Saracens (819 and 842).
After the Byzantine rule, Rovinj was first under the rule of the Lombards , and then under the rule of the Franks. In feudal Istria, Rovinj lost most of the autonomy of the old Roman municipalities, however, as an important city, as evidenced by the fact that it participated as a castrum in the Assembly of Riga in 804 , it managed to fight for certain concessions.
From the 10th to the 12th century, it successfully resisted the pressure of Venice and gained autonomous status (with an assembly of citizens and a Great Council). When it came under Venice (1283), the city's self-government lost its democratic character. Exposed to frequent attacks from the sea; In 1597, it was attacked and plundered by 17 Uskok ships with about 500 Uskoks. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Rovinj was a developed maritime town. After the fall of Venice (1797), the citizens themselves took over the administration of the city and maintained it during the Austrian (1797-1805) and French administrations (1805-1813). Until the second half of the 19th century, Rovinj was the largest port on the west coast of Istria . In 1918, it was occupied by the Italian army, and in 1920 it belonged to Italy with the Treaty of Rapallo and was included in the Italian province of Friuli-Venezia Giulia . After the capitulation of Italy in 1943, Rovinj joined the uprising of the Croats in Istria, and in 1947 it definitely belonged to Yugoslavia .
With the relatively recent transition from an Italian holding to Croatian there does seem to be some cultural confusion. They speak Italian as often as Croatian and the food is heavily influenced by Italy. Signs are posted in both languages.
Bottom line from us is the place is beautiful. You can feel the history but the addition of the sea and the modern contribution of artists, makes it a unique place to visit. One of the streets is lined with artists displaying everything from ceramics, clothing, leather goods paintings and jewelry. It took a little restraint not to completely overdo it with purchasing. I have to admit to overdoing it a little. In one of the stores the owner commented on my necklace and earrings I bought yesterday in Groznjan, the artist community. She said she knew the artist that designed them. There is so much talent in this little part of the world. The artist community has formed a tight group and it is really interesting to get a glimpse into there talents.
We visited the Church of Saint Euphemia and Jack climbed the tower. I bought the ticket to climb the tower but my fear of heights interfered today and I returned to the ground floor. I trusted Jack to get the pictures. The stairs were a bit rickety and there were a lot of them.
We returned to the seaside bar this evening to view another sunset. It did not disappoint. We ended up chatting with a woman and her family from Toronto. There is an immediate connection to anyone speaking English. She happened to be of Croatian descent and was traveling with her son, who plays soccer in Slovenia. We shared experiences from our travel and recommended to her son that he visit the Skocjan caves which happen to be near where he lives.
We ended the evening at a restaurant on the harbor. We really like Rovinj!
Harbor view
Rovinj pictures
I visited the Church instead
bar visit and sunset
dinner view
Thinking of Ellin- this sign reminded me of her
Rovinj is filled with history and, whether Croatian or Italian, it appears to be charming and welcoming. I probably would have stayed with you and not climbed those steps. Your alternative didn't fail as an option...another beautiful church.
ReplyDeleteThe history (and architecture from various centuries) of many European countries is simply fascinating! The U.S.A. is just a baby in comparison.
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