Istria is not just a peninsula – it is living history and culture, written in stone, the sea and its ancient towns that have witnessed thousands of years of change.
From Roman amphitheatres and Venetian bell towers to Austro-Hungarian fortresses – every era has left its mark and shaped the Istrian heritage we know today.
Walk through the old towns of Istria and experience how history and culture come alive at every step.

Roman Roots and Heritage

The Romans turned Istria into a thriving province, leaving behind impressive historical landmarks that still take your breath away.
The best-known symbol of that era is the Amphitheatre in Pula (the Arena) – the sixth largest in the world and one of the best preserved. Once home to gladiator battles, it now hosts concerts, festivals and film screenings under the stars.

In Poreč, the ancient Roman forum became today’s Freedom Square, while the surrounding area still reveals remains of Roman villas and mosaics, testifying to the luxury of ancient seaside residences.
On the Brijuni Islands, visitors can explore the ruins of a Roman villa rustica, and near Pula, Nesactium preserves the remains of the first Histrian town – the cradle of Istria’s civilization.

For lovers of history, discovering Istria’s past begins right here – among the stone remnants of the ancient world.

Venice, Squares and Stone Facades

From the 13th to the late 18th century, Istria lived under the rhythm of the Venetian Republic.
Venice shaped the architecture, art and culture of Istria, leaving traces in every stone façade and town square.

Rovinj is perhaps the most beautiful example of this legacy – an old town of narrow cobbled streets, pastel houses and the bell tower of St. Euphemia, which dominates the skyline like a miniature Venetian campanile.
Motovun, Grožnjan, Novigrad and Labin owe much of their current appearance to the Venetian period.
In Bale (the Bembo Castle) and Svetvinčenat (the Morosini-Grimani Castle), Venetian palaces, loggias and the lions of St. Mark still proudly bear witness to the power and enduring heritage of Istria.

The Austro-Hungarian Era and Modernization

After the fall of Venice at the end of the 18th century, Istria entered the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire – a time of modernization, naval development, architecture and progress.
Pula became the main naval port of the Empire on the Adriatic, transforming into a symbol of innovation and strength.
This was when the great fortresses Fort Verudela, Fort Bourguignon and Fort Punta Christo were built, along with elegant public buildings such as the Theatre, Hotel Riviera and Naval Command Building, reflecting the styles of Viennese Secession and Classicism.

The Austro-Hungarian influence spread throughout the interior of Istria, where towns like Pazin, Buzet and Motovun saw the construction of bridges, schools, squares and public buildings that still stand today.
During this period, Istria also gained its first railway line – Pula–Pazin–Lupoglav–Trieste – connecting the peninsula and ushering in a new, modern era.

Istria – Living History at Every Step

From Roman mosaics and Venetian palaces to Austro-Hungarian fortifications – Istria is a place where history and culture meet in every stone, square and view of the sea.
Walking through its towns means exploring the history of Istria through monuments that today live a new life: museums and galleries in castles, concerts within medieval walls, and even an aquarium inside the Austro-Hungarian Fort Verudela – a unique fusion of nature and history.

Here, Istria’s heritage becomes an experience – authentic, alive and unforgettable, just like the peninsula itself.

Briskva Vacation Rentals Agency proudly recommends villas, holiday homes and apartments near Istria’s historical towns – the perfect starting point to explore where past and present meet in perfect harmony.