Settlement History and Chapel

Divšići can be explored through two historical landmarks: the settlement’s origins in the 16th century and an 18th-century chapel south of the village. Together, they offer two distinct perspectives on local history—one linked to resettlement, the other to a specific building.

In the 16th century, Divšići developed as part of a Venetian resettlement program for refugees from Dalmatia fleeing the Ottomans. The village’s origins are therefore linked to a wave of flight and a political resettlement measure.

South of Divšići stands the 18th-century Chapel of St. Vitus and St. Modestus. Its façade features a bell gable, with a porch in front. These two architectural features clearly characterize the chapel; its date and location add a distinct historical and architectural reference point to the older settlement history.

In the wider destination of Općina Marčana

In the wider destination of Općina Marčana, the focus shifts from the village to the regional coastal landscape. The Municipality of Marčana has a 36-kilometre-long, varied coastline stretching north from Raša Bay to Budava Bay in the south. Coastal stretches that drop steeply into the deep waters of the Adriatic, green peninsulas, and hidden coves shape this landscape.

Activities and culinary offerings also span the wider destination of Općina Marčana. They include cycling and hiking trails, the Camino South Istria pilgrimage route, snorkelling spots, and excursions by boat, kayak, horse, and bicycle. Restaurants and taverns serve traditional cuisine, while local producers offer wine, olive oil, cheese, and honey. The regional selection thus ranges from land trails and water activities to eateries and products from the surrounding area.

The trails and excursion destinations vary in length and type. The Camino South Istria is 193 kilometres long and runs through the Municipality of Marčana. A trail to the St. Agnes of Rakalj viewpoint runs for about two kilometres through Mediterranean maquis and past old dry-stone walls. At Školjić Beach, two underwater arches lie at a depth of three metres and are suitable for swimming through. The beach is 2.5 kilometres from Kavran and can be reached via a local road and gravel tracks. These offer different regional options: a long pilgrimage route, a shorter walk to a viewpoint, and a snorkelling destination with its own underwater features.

Cultural Sites and Events in the Municipality

The cultural sites in Općina Marčana also have different focuses. The birthplace of Mijo Mirković in Rakalj houses a memorial collection about his life, literary work and legacy, as well as Rakalj’s local pottery tradition. The House of Cycling in Loborika displays historical results, photographs, medals, and trophies of BK Loborika, along with a video about cyclist Nevio Valčić’s life and sporting achievements. The collections thus focus on different subjects: literature and pottery on the one hand, club history and cycling on the other.

The municipality’s religious heritage also includes buildings from different centuries. The main altar of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Mutvoran was created in 1533; the parish church of St. Peter and Paul in Marčana dates from the 15th century. Stari Rakalj is home to the ruins of a former medieval castle and the Church of St. Agnes. Every year, on the second Sunday in October, a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Health takes place at the church of the same name in Hreljići. If you plan to attend, check the specific program details for that year.

Discover more destinations: Peruski, Orbanići, Šegotići, Cokuni, Bratulići, Marčana, Pavicini, Veliki Vareški

For the wider travel overview: Općina Marčana.