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Grožnjan

Introduction

History

Things to do

Introduction

Grožnjan, a medieval town brimming with art

This hilltop town perched above the Mirna river is the most famous gathering place for artists in Istria.

Only 30 minutes away from Umag and Novigrad beaches, medieval Grožnjan is a place where both curious visitors and creative musicians and visual artists find peace and refuge.

The town was most probably named after the Latin word Grisium i.e. the antique Graeciniana, meaning a rocky hill. Declared a town of artists in 1965, it has been pulsating with creativity ever since. Artists, now outnumbering permanent residents, make music and create works of art in some thirty houses, galleries, studios and ateliers.

Leaving Grožnjan without a souvenir or a nice memory is virtually impossible. Even a simple walk through the town, during which you’ll get to see exhibited paintings, hear the sounds of music coming from Kaštel (Castle) and enjoy a view of the sea paired with a refreshing breeze, will be a magical experience.

Knowing that creativity is closely knit with culinary delights, it’s always a good idea to treat yourself to a glass of wine or brandy, or a traditional Istrian dish at one of the town’s cafés, tasting rooms or konobas, and enjoy its charming atmosphere.

Virtual walk in Grožnjan

Things to do

Things to do in Grožnjan

Visit...

medieval walls with a view reaching all the way to the sea
the Fonticus town gallery exhibiting contemporary artwork throughout the year
Parish Church of St Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia and a miraculous altar, declared as such by Pope Pius VII in 1800
the Spinotti-Morteani palace with a wine shop
Parenzana, one of the most attractive cycling trails in Istria

Taste...

delicious pizza at the aModoMio restaurant with a breath-taking terrace view
simple Istrian specialities at the konoba Pintur with a magical terrace
coffee with a view at the café Vero

Buy...

paintings, eco-friendly cosmetic products and art souvenirs at the Ars Natura shop and gallery
Istrian wine at the wine shop of the Spinotti-Morteani palace
Istrian truffles at the Istra shop, truffle hunters or the Zigante shop
local artists’ paintings and souvenirs, offered at numerous galleries and shops

Stay...

at the luxury Villa Poropati to enjoy peace and quiet (5 km away from Grožnjan)
at the Ponte Porton Dining & Lodging, a charming country guesthouse (5 km away from Grožnjan)
at Stancija Ruseti, housed in a typical Istrian stone building where luxury and nature combine (8 km away from Grožnjan)
at Villa Antica, a traditional stone house with a stunning panoramic view
at rooms, apartments and villas near Grožnjan

Grožnjan’s nightlife

Summer nights in Grožnjan bring many must-see musical performances. Check Events in Grožnjan and plan your visit.

Outdoor delights...

Visit ancient hilltop villages of Završje, Oprtalj and Kostanjica
Discover Piski, the Istrian desert near Šterna, and experience a walk through dunes
Discover Vrnjak, a ghost village with houses swallowed by trees
Relax by the Butori waterfall and abyss, close to Marušići

Best time to visit Grožnjan

A walk through the streets of Grožnjan is always a good idea! In the summer, the town comes alive with the sounds of music performed by guests of the International Cultural Centre of the Jeunesses Musicales Croatia. The legendary Jazz is back BP festival is the most important summer event, taking place on the Balwan City stage, while the international art event Ex tempore marks the end of the season, turning the town into a huge outdoor atelier.