Žminj combines historic buildings with a route that passes through the old town. Seasonal events also provide a concrete framework for planning your stay: the “Žminjska štuorija” guided tour lasts one hour, while Bartulja takes place on a date in August. This lets you weigh up culture, landscape and travel dates based on tangible details.
Route 761 and the landscape
Route 761 Žminj–Feštini starts beside the tower in Žminj. It passes through the square in front of the parish church of St Michael and through the old town, where it follows the old stone street “Štradi”. It ends in front of Feštinsko kraljevstvo Cave. Conditions on the route may change; check them before setting off.
The landscape of the Municipality of Žminj is shaped by karst terrain, rolling topography and distinctive soils. Near the village of Feštini, safe visitor paths in Feštinsko kraljevstvo Cave cover a total of about one hundred metres. Notable stalactite formations bear names such as “Wizard’s Hat”, “Tower of Babel” and “Bat’s Wing”. The cave is not far from Žminj.
Castle, chapel and Calvary
Žminj Castle was probably built in the 15th century on a square plan. Today, a smaller part of the citadel is visible, including one of its four round towers, a wing of the fortress, an outer section of the fortifications and a well-preserved public water cistern dating from 1863. These surviving parts give the historic structure a tangible form, although the entire citadel has not been preserved.
The Chapel of the Holy Trinity stands beside the castle. It was decorated in 1471 with works of art by an unknown artist. Žminj Calvary was built of stone in 1728 and consists of three crosses enclosed by a wall and secured by an iron gate. It lies in the western part of Žminj, near the road between Pazin and Pula.
Guided tour, pasta and Bartulja
The seasonal, one-hour “Žminjska štuorija” guided tour introduces the history and customs of Žminj’s residents, their language, and sacred and secular architecture. The experience also includes tasting specialities from local producers and a demonstration of how typical pasta is made. These include makaruni and fuži. If you would like to plan a visit to the tour, check its schedule before your trip.
The Istrian Pasta Festival in Žminj also focuses on local food culture. It aims to preserve and nurture the tradition of Istrian pasta, promote native varieties and support their producers. The specific programme may change. If you are planning a stay around Bartulja, the last Saturday in August is the date to bear in mind. The folk festival in Žminj has a tradition spanning at least a hundred years; check the date of the next edition. It continues to include a mass at the Church of St Bartholomew at the entrance to Žminj.
Various exhibitions are held in Žminj Tower, including exhibitions of handmade nativity scenes, a small tower market and exhibitions dedicated to Bartulja. Check the latest visitor information before your visit. When planning a stay in the Municipality of Žminj, you can weigh up a seasonal guided tour, the August festival date and the historic sights.
Discover more destinations: Krizanci, Tomisici, Gržini, Debeljuhi, Gradisce, Vidulini, Pifari, Cere, Žminj, Krculi, Prkačini, Šivati, Žagrići, Brkići.
For the broader travel overview: Istria County.
