Vodnjan, located in southern Istria just 5 kilometers from the Brijuni Riviera, is a town rich in history, cultural diversity, and gastronomic delights. Known as the town of olives, Vodnjan offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. Its streets and squares are alive with stories of the past, conveyed through art, architecture, and the hospitality of its residents.

Vodnjan was the first town in Istria to receive electricity, highlighting its progressiveness and regional significance. The residents of Vodnjan, affectionately known as “Bumbari,” proudly preserve their cultural heritage, including bilingualism in Croatian and Italian, making it one of the few towns in Istria with deeply rooted Italian traditions.

St. Blaise Church and the tallest bell tower in Istria

The Church of St. Blaise is the largest parish church in Istria, constructed between 1760 and 1800. This imposing Baroque building dominates the center of Vodnjan and houses an impressive collection of sacred art, including relics and incorrupt bodies of saints—one of the largest such collections in Europe.

Notably, the church’s bell tower stands at 62 meters, making it the tallest in Istria. Inspired by St. Mark’s Campanile in Venice, this tower symbolizes the town and offers panoramic views of Vodnjan, Pula, Fažana, and the Brijuni archipelago.Visitors can explore the tower on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 12 PM during the tourist season.

Bettica Palace – a testament to urban nobility

Located in the heart of the old town, Bettica Palace is one of Vodnjan’s most significant historical buildings. Built in the late 18th century in Baroque style as the residence of the noble Bettica family, it played a vital role in the town’s social and cultural life.

The building features an elegant façade, a spacious inner courtyard, and architectural details reflecting the wealth and influence of the era’s elite. Today, the palace serves as a cultural center hosting exhibitions, lectures, and various events aimed at preserving and promoting local heritage.

Eco Museum Vodnjan – guardian of tradition and identity

The Eco Museum “Istrian de Dignan” was established by a local association dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional lifestyle of Vodnjan and its surroundings. Housed in an old stone house, the museum offers an authentic experience—from the kitchen and cellar to spaces for olive processing and textile production.

Visitors can learn about ecological farming, dry-stone wall construction, the creation of “kažuni” (traditional stone huts), and other aspects of Istrian identity. The museum also functions as a community space, bringing together local producers, artists, and heritage enthusiasts.

Murals and Galleries – art at every turn

Walking through Vodnjan is not only a journey through time but also through contemporary art. The town is renowned for its murals adorning the facades of houses and buildings throughout the old town. These murals result from international art festivals like Boombarstick, which have brought artists from around the world to Vodnjan. 

In addition to murals, the town offers several small art galleries nestled in hidden alleyways. Each gallery showcases the personal artistic expressions of local and visiting artists, providing space for direct interaction between visitors and creators.

El Magazein Gallery – a dynamic contemporary art space

El Magazein Gallery in Vodnjan is a contemporary exhibition space located in the old town center. Known for its constantly changing exhibitions and artists, it provides a platform for both local and international contemporary artists.

The gallery does not operate on a standard schedule and is not always open, so it’s advisable to check current information about exhibitions and opening hours before visiting. Exhibitions change frequently, meaning the visitor experience can vary significantly depending on the time of visit.

For accurate information, it’s best to consult their official website or social media channels, where announcements of new exhibitions, events, and schedules are regularly posted.

Kažun Park – an open-air museum

At the entrance to Vodnjan lies Kažun Park—a unique open-air museum dedicated to traditional Istrian dry-stone construction. The park showcases various types of “kažuni,” small stone huts that once served as shelters for farmers and storage for tools and crops.

Visiting the park is ideal for families, nature lovers, and ethnology enthusiasts, offering informative panels, workshops, and educational content on the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage.

Gastronomic identity of Vodnjan

Vodnjan is renowned for its high-quality local products, with its olive oil, wine, and prosciutto producers among the best in the region.

Buršić Prosciutto offers traditionally produced Istrian prosciutto made to the highest quality standards. Visitors can tour the facility, learn about the curing process, and taste various cured meat products.

Babos Winery is a small family-run winery that nurtures indigenous grape varieties and offers guided tastings of its wines.In a pleasant atmosphere, you can learn more about the Istrian terroir and the philosophy of this dedicated winery.

Bora Nera, a local coffee roaster, is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. Here, you can participate in tastings, learn about the bean roasting process, and enjoy carefully prepared beverages from different parts of the world.

Ecomuseum Istrian de Dignan prepares meals daily using local and fresh ingredients. If you wish to taste delicious and traditional dishes and desserts, visit them from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM every day at Ecolab, located near the Vodnjan Elementary School.

Vodnjan is a town that successfully combines history, art, and gastronomy into an authentic experience that leaves a lasting impression. For families with children, Vodnjan offers a well-maintained playground and numerous facilities ensure a pleasant stay and entertainment for all generations.

Whether you’re visiting for a peaceful retreat, cultural exploration, or to experience the finest flavors of Istria – Vodnjan will welcome you with open arms and a wealth of experiences.