Raša combines an unusual urban history with architecture that reflects its mining heritage. Between 1936 and 1937, the planned mining town was built to designs by architect Gustavo Pulitzer Finali. Its history can be explored through more than just dates and names: the Church of St Barbara also offers a tangible insight into the town’s design.
Mining History and Distinctive Architecture
The Raša mine employed more than 10,000 miners between 1928 and 1966. The town’s mining heritage is presented at the small Centar Arsia museum on Raša’s town square. The museum offers an introduction to the subject, while the planned town and its buildings provide another perspective. Centar Arsia is accessible to people with disabilities and those with reduced mobility; please confirm these details before your visit.
The Church of St Barbara also brings architecture and mining history together in a vivid way. It is a modernist and rationalist building with a 25-metre-high tower. Its shape recalls an upturned mining cart, while the bell tower resembles a mine lamp. These comparisons make the church’s design especially tangible and give you a distinctive perspective on local architecture during your visit.
If you would like to learn about the history beyond the museum, Kova Experience offers another option: guided tours through the mine. You enter a mine and experience a day in the life of a miner. Check the booking details before your trip.
Valley, Hiking Trail and Sea
Raša lies in a narrow valley of the Krapanski potok stream, a tributary of the Raša River. The sea is about two kilometres away. These geographic details give the town two points of reference: the valley and its stream, and the approximate distance to the coast.
The Bella Vista hiking trail follows a white road through Gora Glušići to Skitača. From Skitača, the route offers views of the Kvarner Gulf. It thus links a clearly named destination with a viewpoint that puts the landscape centre stage. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.
The Church of St Lucy also stands in Skitača. Built at the beginning of the 17th century, it is a single-nave Baroque church. Its age and architectural form offer a distinctive point of interest alongside Raša’s mining history.
At Zidovi Sv. Marine, three reefs lie below the pebble beach. They descend directly from the beach into the open sea to a depth of 55 metres; the site offers numerous dives for divers of all categories. Local sea conditions remain relevant when planning a dive. The reef profile is one concrete consideration if you are interested in diving.
The Rt Crna Punta lighthouse is best reached by boat. Local conditions can affect landing, so take this into account when planning your visit.
Discover more places: Skitaca, Ravni, Brovinje, Drenje, Viskovici, Kunj, Sveta Marina, Koromacno, Topid, Crni, Brgod, Polje, Trgetari, Raša, Trget, Sveti Bartul, Stanišovi, Most-Raša, Diminici, Barbići, Skvaranska.
For the regional travel overview: Istria County.
