The Lim bay is one of the most beautiful places in Istra, legally protected as a significant landscape and a specific marine reserve. It is a sunken karst valley with specific vegetation and marine landmarks. It was developed in limestones, with approx. 10 km length, 600 m average width and canyon sides up to 150 m height.
St. Romuald’s Cave in Lim Bay is a 105-meter-long prehistoric site, located 97 meters above sea level. Inside, several impressive halls reveal traces of Paleolithic life, including tools and bones of over 40 animal species such as cave bears, lions, and leopards, which indicates that the caveman lived there during the Paleolithic and highlights its historical and archaeological significance.
The ruins of the medieval town Dvigrad are the most important and best-known cultural heritage of Kanfanar. There are countless ruins of towers, castles and forts, but there is only one Dvigrad – it hadn’t been torn down neither by a military force, nor by the fire, yet. It stands as a reminder to passengers and an acquisition to visitors of how an old Istrian medieval town was built back then.
The square in Svetvinčenat is the most comprehensive example of planned Renaissance urbanism in Croatia. Its special significance stems from the unique shaping of all carved architectural details on the castle, houses, the loggia and the church.
The Large Square, called the Placa among people, has preserved its Renaissance features, harmonious architectural dimensions and simplicity.
The stone castle Grimani, the best preserved castle on the peninsula of Istria and the largest Svetvinčenat building, stretches over almost the entire north side of Placa. The castle used to be the destination for tradesmen, soldiers, aristocracy guests and travel writers, and today it attracts curious passer-bys and tourists.
Sanc. Michael Castle is located on a beautiful estate, only 3km north of Svetvinčenat. The castle is 400m2 big and it is made of wood trunks. The castle also offers a children’s carousel, torture devices, the witch’s dungeon, a souvenir shop and other typically medieval attractions. Visitors can try their luck in archery with a medieval bow and arrow.
The old town core of Bale, built within fortified walls, is a protected area with stone houses and paved alleys. Highlights include Castle Soardo Bembo, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Elizabeth’s crypt, creating a unique atmosphere. Its charming stone houses, terraces, and streets offer a perfect setting for a memorable vacation.
The Soardo – Bembo palace, the largest building in Bale, catches the attention of every visitor with the beauty of its renovated gothic- renaissance facade. The castle was built at the beginning of the 16th century as a representable residential palace placed between two towers as part of town walls. During reconstruction, objects from a Bronze Age settlement were found in the basements. It was included on the list of 30 most important monuments in Croatia.