Rovinj

Rovinj is the most romantic town on the Istrian coast, a huddle of tall, pastel-washed houses rising steeply from the sea on a little peninsula to the hilltop church of St Euphemia, its tall Venetian campanile a landmark for miles. Once an island, its cobbled lanes, harbour cafes and the play of light on the water give it a gentle, Italianate beauty in the calmer north of the Adriatic.

History

Rovinj was a settlement of Venetic or Illyrian tribes before the Romans took it and called it Arupinium or Mons Rubineus, later Ruginium. It passed to Byzantium, in the 6th century to the Exarchate of Ravenna and in 788 to the Franks, was ruled by a series of feudal lords and in 1209 was acquired by the Patriarchate of Aquileia. From 1283 to 1797 it was one of the most important towns of Venetian Istria: it was given three town gates and two rings of walls, parts of which survive, among them Balbi's Arch on the pier, of 1680, and a late Renaissance clock tower, and its first statute was proclaimed in 1531. The town stood on an island until 1763, when the channel was filled in and it was joined to the mainland. After the fall of Venice in 1797 and the Napoleonic years it became part of the Austrian Empire (Wikipedia, Rovinj).

What you'll find

• The old town - the pastel houses rising steeply to the hilltop church.
• St Euphemia's church - the hilltop church with its tall Venetian tower.
• The harbour and lanes - the cobbled streets, cafes and fishing boats.
• The sunset views - the town glowing over the water at dusk.

When to go

Late spring and early autumn for warm weather and thinner crowds; summer is busy but the light on the pastel houses is glorious. Istria is a food and wine region, so pair the town with its truffles, olive oil and wine.

Good to know

It is popular and busy in summer, though quieter and gentler than the Dalmatian hotspots. The old town is steep and cobbled. It is small, seen in a day, best enjoyed slowly with the food and wine of the Istrian hinterland.

Nearby

The Istrian hill towns, the Roman arena at Pula and the truffle country inland are close; Venice is across the sea.

Key facts