As you find yourself in Rovinj’s Old Town, you’ll be greeted by the iconic Church of St. Euphemia, standing tall on a hill. This is a church that belongs to the patron saint of the city and bears a great secret.
According to the old story, the stone was carried from the island of Limski Kanal by the local people and that is unbelievable considering the technology they possessed.
So if you’re still looking for a reason why visit Istria, there you have it. It’s a place full of wonderful tales and history, and of course, beautiful beaches.
Exploring Grisia street
Grisia Street dates back to medieval times. The name itself derives from the Latin for grey (grisia), which describes perfectly how it appears as a grey-coloured stone that was originally used for paving streets centuries ago.
Grisia Street remains an epicentre of creativity today, as artists still flock to this bustling street every year to set up easels along its narrow lanes and paint scenes of coastal panorama or capture local life with easel paintings.
That is why one of the most captivating aspects of Grisia Street is its annual art exhibition, known as the Grisia Art Exhibition. Artists from across Croatia gather here every summer to present their works.
Imagine an open-air gallery where paintings, sculptures and crafts fill every surface – an event to bring people together while celebrating creativity and community! Visitors from far and wide come together to experience art’s power in this scenic locale.
While this exhibition might not be for everyone, we encourage you to at least throw an eye on some of its pieces. Especially if you’re staying in one of our sea-view Istrian villas in Rovinj. With Villsy you can take advantage of any season in Croatia, and what better time to visit Istria than when there are multiple events in the time?
It’s not just art lovers who will appreciate Grisia Street food lovers will also find it a perfect place to be. You walk down the narrow alleyways which are flanked by beautiful and heterogeneous facades and in a few steps, you discover the scent of freshly baked pastries mixed with the aroma of local coffee.
You can eat traditional Croatian foods like fritule, mini doughnut-like treats sprinkled with powdered sugar, or simply take a glass of the local wine.
St. Euphemia’s Baroque splendour
St. Euphemia’s is an extraordinary church filled with exquisite decorations and ornate details at every turn, from intricately carved altars to its glittering stained glass windows – every inch is an architectural delight for visitors!
Chances are, you might witness one of the church’s prized possessions – St. Euphemia’s remains are believed to be kept safely within an ornate golden casket and serve as a powerful symbol of faith for worshippers and visitors alike.
St. Euphemia’s is particularly striking because of its relationship to local traditions and folklore; churches can serve as centres of community life in many cultures; St. Euphemia’s stands out among these centres in this respect.
All year-round, this church serves as host for various celebrations and events ranging from religious festivals to cultural performances – serving as a testimony of its longstanding legacy in our city’s life and culture.
Navigating cobblestone lanes
Rovinj is among the most beautiful Istrian places, and so are its cobblestone lanes. While meandering down the windy roads in Rovinj, the stones you will be stepping on might not look randomly and strikingly formed on the ground, but instead form beautiful mosaics where that everyone who walks on can enjoy!
The cobblestones aren’t just aesthetic, they also do a good job of draining the flooding streets during stormy rains.
Don’t forget to look down as you walk! Among the worn-out stones, you might spot a unique pattern or a small detail that catches your eye. Or you might bump your foot on a lifted stone and fall.
Museums and galleries
One must-visit destination is the Rovinj Heritage Museum, which allows you to travel back in time and uncover its captivating history.
If you appreciate art pieces, the Batana House Museum in Rovinj may be just what you are looking for. This museum commemorates Rovinj’s traditional boat known as batana while also showing its connection with sea life.
Do not miss Adris Gallery, offering contemporary art exhibits. In its lively space, you can witness how tradition meets modernity; furthermore, this gallery frequently hosts community-building events that bring people together.
Best dining spots in Rovinj Old Town
Rovinj Old Town is an endearing destination that boasts not only historic beauty but also delicious culinary experiences.
As you walk through the cobblestone streets, your taste buds are in for a treat. If you are staying in Istria, or especially in villas in Rovinj, you must try “Konoba Giannino", which is tucked away in a quaint corner of its Old Town. Here, you can savour traditional Istrian dishes cooked with a dash of love and a sprinkle of local herbs.
“Balbi" offers the perfect blend of history and flavour – located within a 17th-century palace, this restaurant allows diners to experience fine dining amidst centuries-old walls – you can indulge in fresh seafood while taking in its grand ambience!