Buzet isn’t an ordinary small town in Istria. Its rich history, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and gastronomy make it the perfect place to relax and explore. Whether interested in history, nature, truffles, or wine, Buzet will provide you with an unforgettable experience. Here is what to do during your stay in Buzet.
Exploring the Old Town
Your Buzet experience should start with exploring the old town. Buzet is placed on top of the hill. Its narrow, cobbled streets will fill you with the spirit of ancient towns.
The city was a fortress and remaining of its old walls and towers are still visible today. Stroll through the historic city gates, which date back to the 16th century, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Mirna River valley.
The Baroque Church of St. Jurja, built in the 18th century, stands as one of the most famous landmarks. Another notable site is Bigatto Palace, a testament to Buzet’s noble heritage, now serving as the town’s cultural centre.
While wandering through the old town, you’ll also come across numerous galleries and shops featuring local artwork, offering an authentic taste of the town’s vibrant artistic scene.
Truffle Tasting
Buzet is known as the “City of Truffles," with the surrounding forests being a natural home for these rare mushrooms. Truffles are an expensive delicacy. Highly prized white truffles from Buzet are known worldwide. Visitors can enjoy many dishes with truffles in local restaurants, such as pasta with truffles, tartufata or truffle paste, and various meat and fish specialities enriched with truffles.
A special experience in Buzet is truffle hunting. During these tours, you can see how truffles are found with the help of specially trained dogs. Local guides will explain all about truffles. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the chance to taste some of the local truffle specialities.
Hiking along the Seven Waterfalls Trail
If you love nature, Buzet has a lot of hiking trails in the area. One of the most famous ones is the Seven Waterfalls Trail. This breathtaking route is about 13 kilometres long and follows the river Mirna with its seven waterfalls. The trail is suitable for walkers of all levels of experience. Some parts however can be challenging due to narrow passages and steep rocks.
Along with the waterfalls, hiking this trail you’ll find some of the abandoned villages that in the past were lively and today they’re forgotten.
Visit Hum – The World’s Smallest City
If you drive 14 kilometres from Buzet, you’ll reach Hum. This city entered the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest city in the world, with a population of only twenty inhabitants. Although small, Hum is extremely significant due to its rich history and cultural heritage. The town has preserved its medieval appearance. The stone houses and streets provide an authentic feeling of antiquity.
The city is recognizable by the town church. From here you can also see Glagolitic Alley, a series of monuments dedicated to the Old Slavonic Glagolitic script, which leads from Roč to Hum. This path is not only historically and culturally significant but also extremely picturesque, offering a wonderful view of the Istrian landscape.
Wine Tasting in Local Wineries
Istria is well known as one of the best wine regions in Croatia. Some of the most popular vineyards and wineries are located near Buzet. The most popular varieties of wine in this area are Malvasia and Teran, but other varieties are also produced.
Many wineries offer tours of their cellars and vineyards. You will see the entire wine-making process. The tour is followed by a wine tasting, often combined with local delicacies such as prosciutto, cheese, and olive oil. This experience provides a true taste of Istria. Every bite and sip carries with it the rich history and tradition of this area.
Subotina Festival
The Subotina Festival is a must-see when you visit Buzet in September. The city’s history is celebrated during this festival of traditions. You will be transported back in time to when city squares and streets were filled with fair activities and crafts. Aside from watching craftsmen working on antique tools and tasting local food, you can also enjoy traditional music and dance.
As part of the festival’s cultural and entertainment activities, you can enjoy workshops, exhibitions, and performances. The festival’s main attraction is its truffle table. Here various truffle-based delicacies are served as an essential part of the celebration.
For those looking for a comfortable and luxurious stay, Villsy offers exceptional accommodation options, providing stunning views, modern amenities, and a relaxing environment to complement your Buzet experience.