A Glagolitic inscription dates the restored frescoes in the sanctuary of the late Gothic Church of St. Matthew in Slum to 1555. For routes through the mountain landscape, options range from a circular trail to the 1,014-metre-high Žbevnica summit to a route from the direction of Buzet. The church and the different trail routes offer concrete starting points for a trip combining cultural history and hiking.
Frescoes with Two Visual Languages
The frescoes depict scenes of the Annunciation, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, as well as Saint George slaying the dragon. Particularly striking is the related depiction of George as the dragon-slayer and the Descent into Hell: this composition is one of only three surviving examples of its kind in Istria. It gives the artistic programme a regional connection that extends beyond the individual scene.
The figures are painted in a Renaissance manner, while the iconography remains medieval. The frescoes also depict saints and prophets. Above the present-day altar, God the Father is shown holding an orb; he blesses with his right hand. Thus, different pictorial motifs appear side by side in the church: an extensive fresco cycle featuring saints and prophets, and a single image above the altar.
Linden Tree and Local Tradition
An older route description notes a broad-canopied linden tree with a hollow trunk beside the Church of St. Matthew in Slum. It is said to be the oldest in Istria. It is best to check the tree’s condition on site. The linden tree adds a local tradition to the church visit, relating to the tree’s presumed age.
Hiking Routes with Different Layouts
A circular trail leads from Slum to the 1,014-metre-high Žbevnica summit. The route passes through mountain landscapes with expansive views, goes past the eastern edge of the village of Brest, and returns to Slum through the forest. The summit, the section near Brest and the forested return journey shape the route; no walking time is specified for this trail.
An older route description leads from Buzet railway station along a marked hiking trail to the edge of the stepped plateau. From there, it is about two kilometres on foot to Slum. The described hike can be retraced along the same path or taken as a loop via the edge of the plateau and the railway station. From the plateau’s edge, visibility permitting, there are views of Buzet, the Mirna Valley and much of Istria. Markings and trail conditions can change; check them before your hike.
The two route options differ primarily in their starting points and layouts: the Žbevnica trail is a circular route with a summit and a return through the forest; the route from the direction of Buzet crosses the stepped plateau and offers a choice between returning the same way and taking a loop.
More Activities on Ćićarija
Raspadalica on Ćićarija is a viewpoint visited by mountain biking enthusiasts. The launch site there is suitable for hang-gliding and paragliding. Separate restrictions apply to individual flights; take these into account when planning.
A 2021 report listed Slum 2 MTB in the Općina Lanišće as a marked 23-kilometre route. This describes the situation at the time. Before setting out, check whether the route is still marked and what the trail conditions are.
A shaft near Slum has a vertical entrance and descends to a depth of 60 metres. If you are considering exploring it, check access and arrangements before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Lanišće, Jelovice, Klenovšćak.
Go to the main travel overview: Općina Lanišće.
