The Church of St. Paul the Apostle stands on a hill between Želiski and Bateli; two routes pass through or near the village, and recurring festivals add to its appeal. Želiski therefore offers clear points of interest for a trip focused on culture, outdoor activities, or attending an event.

Routes and Landscape

The 33-kilometre Barban Cycling Route 631 starts and ends in Barban and passes near Želiski through hilly terrain. Forests, cultivated fields, hills, and gravel sections define the circular route. From the hills, views extend west to more hills and east to the Kvarner Sea. Near Želiski, the route passes a hill topped by the Church of St. Paul the Apostle. This loop combines landscape views with a tangible connection to cultural heritage.

Walk and Taste Barban, by contrast, is a 13-kilometre walking and cycling route that passes through Želiski. Forests, vineyards, pastures, and old villages with stone houses shape its course. It is designed for experiencing local sights and food from the area around Barban. The clear difference to consider when choosing a route is its length: Walk and Taste Barban covers 13 kilometres, while Barban Cycling Route 631 covers 33 kilometres. Before your trip, check whether Walk and Taste Barban is available locally.

The Church of St. Paul the Apostle

The church was built in the 15th century to serve the pastoral needs of Croatian families who had migrated from Dalmatia. It was renovated at the end of the 19th century and again at the end of the 20th century. Its location on the hill between Želiski and Bateli, together with its history, gives the church a tangible place in local cultural history.

Festivals and Event Dates

#zamislisvojuželju has been held annually since 2023 on 15 August, on a hill in Želiski. This outdoor family festival is for children, parents, and visitors of all generations. The programme includes telescope stargazing with astronomy clubs, creative workshops for children, and open-air film screenings; individual activities may vary from one edition to another. If you are planning your trip around the date, check the programme for that year’s edition in advance.

Another recurring local celebration is Fešta na brdu Sv. Pava, held on a hill above Želiski in connection with the feast of Saints Peter and Paul. A report from 2020 mentions a five-a-side football tournament and a horse show for one edition; individual editions may differ.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Općina Barban

The wider destination of Općina Barban offers other distinct cultural connections. In Barban, the Church of St. James the Apostle contains the only surviving fresco cycle in Istria depicting the legend of St. James. Trka na prstenac was added to Croatia’s Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage on 4 April 2016. Barbanski kolač is also part of the tradition of the area around Barban: a round cake with a hole in the middle, historically associated with weddings. These examples broaden the cultural perspective beyond Želiski to include sacred art, intangible cultural heritage, and a culinary tradition.

Discover more destinations: Manjadvorci, Grandići, Bicici, Hrboki, Petehi, Barban, Melnica, Rebići

View the wider travel guide: Općina Barban.