Things To Do in Istria – Kažuni Trail in Vodnjan
Hey there, fellow adventurers! If you’re planning a trip to the picturesque regions of Istria, make sure you carve out some time to stroll along the Kažuni Trail in the charming town of Vodnjan. This trail offers more than just a walk, we will go on a journey through history, culture, and stunning architecture. So, lace up those hiking boots and let’s dive right in!
The unique Istrian stone huts
There are numerous stone cottages (kažuni) in Istria, they are round and small houses with a cone roof, small doors and no windows, made of white Istrian stones. They served as shelters for shepherds and farmers who worked outdoors in fields, olive groves and vineyards. Their interior provided shade during the hot summer days and protection from autumn and winter showers. The art of building kažuni was mainly about ensuring the stones fit perfectly without the need for any binding materials. The same type of stones were used to build stone barriers between properties (suhozidi). Historians believe that buildings similar to kažun have been present in the Mediterranean since prehistoric times. It is believed that their building method was passed on through oral tradition, from generation to generation, without any written records, similarly to old folk tales and poems.
Kažun park in Vodnjan
These circular dry stone structures have been part of Istria’s heritage for centuries. The largest number of them was built during the 18th and 19th century and the majority is concentrated around little Istrian town called Vodnjan. Kažun Park is an outdoor museum preserving the memory of this ancient Mediterranean architecture. Nowadays, kažun is a source of constant inspiration and a unique Vodnjan identity that the locals proudly treasure. People have realised that by restoring and protecting kažun, they are conserving not only local traditions but also a part of themselves.
Hike or ride Vodnjan’s Kažuni Trail
So, what can you expect while visiting the Kažuni Trail in Vodnjan? For starters, an enchanting escape into a less hurried world. “Moj kažun” circular trail marked with the number 112 starts from Kažun Park on an asphalt road to Šalvela. On this 8 kilometres long trail you’ll pass by a frog paradise, Lokva Fontana, walk along the field roads, pass through olive groves and vineyards with stunning views and plenty of mesmerising photo opportunities. Towards the end of the hike you will see an old abandoned church of St. Toma. While wandering through this peaceful path, you might also spot local fauna, and if you’re lucky, interact with friendly locals who are always happy to share stories about the olden days and the significance of kažuni in their community.
The perfect escape for every visitor
The beautiful Istrian landscape is a symphony of hills, lush greenery, and Mediterranean flora. Kažuni Trail gives you a unique view of this pastoral setting. As you walk, the trail reveals more than just these iconic huts – it shows the harmonious blend of natural beauty and human craftsmanship. The landscape itself feels like a storyteller, whispering secrets of times gone by.
Check out our blog posts for more ideas on what to visit in Istria.
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