Novigrad

Novigrad is an ancient town situated on the peninsula, to the west of the Istrian coast, exactly half way between Umag and Poreč. It developed on an islet that was connected to the mainland in 18th century. It has preserved its medieval network, ruins, palaces, city walls and towers from where it defended itself over history.

Novigrad represents the unification of tradition, style and hospitality....Here you can walk around the old medieval centre, experience the spirit of past centuries, surrender yourself to the tastes of traditional cuisine and admire the immodest beauty of the Adriatic and its untouched beaches.

The Novigrad Riviera extends from Dajla to the mouth of the River Mirna and is adorned by an accessible coast of stone and pebble beaches. The Laguna Novigrad complex is situated on this riviera, just ten minutes of walking along the seashore from the town centre. The historical core of the town was completely surrounded by walls which today are only recognizable from their ruins. From June 2005, Novigrad has been a member of the international association of walled towns as part of the - Walled Towns Friendship Circle (WTFC).

Do not miss visiting the town loggia – the only one in Istria situated near to the sea and the parish church of St. Pelagije and St. Maxim, situated on the main town square. Above the main altar is an (early) Roman crypt, the only one to be found in Istria and one of the rare ones to be found in Croatia. The self-standing bell-tower of the parish church of St. Pelagije and St. Maxim was built on the model of St. Mark's bell-tower in Venice. At the top of the bell-tower is a sculpture of the town protector, St. Pelagije. The Day of the Town and of St. Pelagije is celebrated on August, 28 and is accompanied by numerous events.

Novigrad is also proud of two collections; a private collection “Our Austro-Hungarian fleet” in the Gallerion and one of the most important collection of its kind in Croatia – a collection of 93 stone monuments from antique times and the Early and Late Middle Ages in the Lapidarium Museum.

In the town itself you will find numerous events and exhibitions in the Rigo Gallery while you will be able to relax with the Mediterranean dishes and a glass of Malvazija in the excellent restaurants and coffee bars....listening to the renowned musical names from the famous Music Nights Festival.

Or you could just take a stroll around the small port, say hello to the fishermen and breathe in the fragrance of the sea whilst listening to the stories of their ancestors.

Just a few minutes ride separates you from the famous tourist centres on one side and Green Istria on another. You also have the possibility of a one-day excursion, various activities and adventures. On one of the numerous boat excursions, why not take a look on the sea bed, the Brijuni archipelago, Rovinj or even Venice? Spend an evening at a concert in Pula’s Arena or at the international Jazz Festival in Grožnjan. Sports in Istria will satisfy even the most demanding of you – tennis, paragliding, free-climbing, bicycle riding , Nordic walking, exploring the caves of Mramornica, Baredina or Feštinsko kraljevstvo, parachute jumping, diving, etc.  There are not many places that can be proud of such diversity and contrasts within such a small area.