Pazin: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
In the heart of the Croatian peninsula of Istria lies Pazin. The city is surrounded by gorges, hills, and vineyards. Pazin is an ideal holiday destination for active vacationers who enjoy cycling or hiking. Even the famous writer Jules Verne was inspired by Pazin and mentioned the historic castle in one of his works.
Table of contents
Pazin - Must-see attractions
Castle of Pazin
The origins of the rock castle probably date back to the 10th century. Thus, the castle of Pazin is one of the best-preserved fortresses from medieval times on the peninsula. Comparatively young is the distinctive semicircular tower from the 15th century. Today, Pazin Castle houses the Ethnographic Museum of Istria. The collection takes you on a journey through the historical living world of the peninsula's inhabitants. Last but not least, the fortress offers a beautiful panoramic view over Pazin.
Pazin Cave
The Pazin Cave is actually the gorge of the Pazinčica River, the longest underground river in Istria. The well-known Pazin Castle was built above it in the Middle Ages. The local caving club regularly organizes guided tours through the cave. During the tour, you descend into the Pazin Cave and travel 200 meters underground until you reach the large cave hall. Here, an 80-meter-long underground lake is hidden. The highlight is crossing the cave water on a zipline.
Pazin Gorge
The Pazin Gorge in the Istrian town of Pazin is 100 meters deep and 500 meters long. Below the medieval castle of Pazin, a nature trail leads through the gorge. Along the way, signs provide information about karst phenomena as well as the local flora and fauna. The 1.3-kilometer-long path ends at a cave that can be visited with an experienced guide. If you need more excitement, you can zip across the chasm of the gorge on the Pazin Cave Zipline, fully secured and full of adrenaline.
Ethnographic Museum of Istria
The museum is located in the Pazin Castle, one of the largest castles in Istria. The fortress was first mentioned in writing in the year 983. The ethnographic collections of the house present historical textiles, especially traditional and often richly embroidered clothing of Istria. The city museum of Pazin is also housed in the castle. A large collection of exhibits tells the history of the city and the region from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Art lovers will appreciate the exceptional collection of works by local artists.
Pazinska Jama Zipline
The Zipline Pazinska Jama is located in the charming small town of Pazin in Istria and is divided into two sections. The first section starts on the terrace of the Hotel Lovac and ends in the courtyard of the cultural institution known as the House of Writers. While you zip over the Pazin Gorge at up to 65 km/h on the first 220 meters, the following 280-meter section is more leisurely. This way, you can enjoy your view of the Pazin Castle and Gorge even more.
Pazin Town Hall
The town hall or city administration of Pazin is easily recognized by the flower-covered and flag-adorned balcony. In front of it, a small square spreads out, which is often used as a meeting point by the locals. You can find the city administration of Pazin at the corner of Vrtlisce Street and Ul. Družbe Sv. Ćirila i Metoda. Behind the building with its large, high shutters, a charming small park for relaxation spreads out.
Pazin - Secret spots
Admire the frescoes in the Church of Mary on the Rock in Beram
Northwest of Pazin, in the town of Beram, just 7 km away, an art-historical rarity awaits you. 46 Gothic frescoes cover the walls of the pilgrimage church of Maria in the Rock (Holy Mary on the Stone Tablets). The artist Vincent from Kastav created them in 1474. You can admire the painted coffered ceiling and the depiction of the Dance of Death.
Natural paradise Lim Channel
The Lim Channel nestles like a fjord between Vrsar and Rovinj in the Croatian peninsula of Istria. Explore the eleven-kilometer-long sea arm with its breathtaking flora, a mysterious cave, and hundred-meter-high canyon walls on a magnificent boat tour. The entire canyon extends to Pazin.
Walk through the ruined city of Dvigrad
Complete your vacation in Pazin with an exciting visit to the ruins of Dvigrad, located about 30 km southwest. Since the 17th century, the buildings have been left to decay. In many places, plants penetrate the masonry. The origins of the place, known as Duecastelli (two castles) and significant in the Middle Ages, lie in antiquity.
Freshwater fishing in the fish ponds of Cerovlje
Anglers from Pazin like to take day trips to Cerovlje, located less than 10 km to the northeast. Just outside the town, there is a freshwater pond with a facility for freshwater fishing for carp, pike, tench, and other freshwater fish. Here you can purchase a day-valid fishing permit. Please observe the closed season and other restrictions.
Pazin - In 3 days
Day 1
In the heart of Istria, the small town of Pazin awaits you, which, with its 8,300 inhabitants, is one of the larger communities in the area. It was founded in the early Middle Ages. You can use your first day on site to discover the character of Pazin. The most famous landmark is Pazin Castle, also known as Castello di Montecuccoli. It was built in the 10th century and is now only partially open to visitors. It also houses the city museum, where you can learn more about Pazin in past centuries. During a leisurely stroll through the town center, you are only a few minutes away from reaching the parish church of Sveti Nikola. The church dates back to the 13th century, was often expanded in the centuries that followed, and today impresses with its richly decorated interior, characterized by frescoes and ceiling paintings.
Day 2
On the second day in Pazin, excursions through Istria are recommended. Just 20 kilometers away is the picturesque Motovun on a nearly 300-meter-high hill above the hills of Istria. It is best to park at the foot of the hill and walk up the many hundreds of steps to the old town - the ascent itself is an experience. Along the way, you will be repeatedly rewarded with breathtaking views. On site, numerous historical sights await you. Among the most famous buildings are the Church of Sveti Stjepan and the massive city gates. For a small fee, you can enter the centuries-old city walls, from which you can overlook large parts of Istria. Also inland is the Ucka Nature Park, which is still considered an insider tip by many travelers. It is almost year-round a true paradise for hikers and nature lovers, who encounter some cultural highlights on their tours, including the idyllic village of Brgudac.
Day 3
If you have planned your three days in Pazin for the warm season, trips to the bathing beaches of Istria are a must. Between May and October, the Adriatic is warm enough for swimming, and thanks to Pazin's central location, you have the freedom to choose from many dream beaches. Some of the most beautiful beaches include Katoro Beach near Umag, the pebble beach Lanterna between Novigrad and Porec, and Biejeca in Medulin. The latter is probably the most popular sandy beach, especially favored by families. In addition to bathing beaches, you can discover more along the coasts of Istria. For example, visit the ancient amphitheater in Pula or stroll through the historic, car-free alleys in Rovinj. With Umag, Porec, Novigrad, and Bale, you have more interesting destinations on the west coast that you can perfectly explore on a day trip.