Grišnjica connects Medaki with a figure from Istrian folklore; at the same time, an 81.2-kilometre cycling loop passes through the village. The cycling route and the tradition offer two different ways to discover Medaki.

Cycling Routes with Different Profiles

The “A Postcard from Rovinj” loop passes through Medaki and links Rovinj, Sveti Lovreč, Gradina Vrsar and Kloštar. Its total length is 81.2 kilometres. Check current route conditions before setting out and factor the length of the entire loop into your plans.

Another route option in the Općina Sveti Lovreč destination is San Lorenzo (617). The route starts and ends in Sveti Lovreč, is 33 kilometres long and is rated easy. Of the route, 14 kilometres are on asphalt and 19 kilometres on macadam. Compared with the 81.2-kilometre loop, both the stated total distance and the specified surface are different. This lets you consider route length, difficulty rating and surface together when planning.

Walking in Općina Sveti Lovreč

The Put vode (720) circular hiking trail is 11.2 kilometres long and connects water sources in the area of the Sveti Lovreč municipality. In Sveti Lovreč, it starts at the restored town spring in the centre, near Velika vrata, heads towards the Funtanela Tower and returns to the spring. This gives you a clearly defined circular route that starts and ends at the same place. Follow the current trail markers on your hike.

Folklore and Events

Grišnjica is a figure from Istrian folklore associated with Medaki. She is considered the female counterpart of the Krsnik. This folkloric connection adds a theme to the cycling routes that is independent of route length or surface.

In Općina Sveti Lovreč, the Smotra narodne glazbe i plesa is part of the folklore programme. It features Istrian folk songs, the instruments roženice, mih and šurle, and the dances balun and polka. The event is held traditionally; check the current programme before visiting.

Culture and Architectural History in Općina Sveti Lovreč

In Sveti Lovreč, St Martin’s Church has a collection of frescoes dating from the 11th century. The church is also home to Istria’s oldest organ: Petar Nakić, also known as Pietro Nacchini, created it in 1735; it was restored in 2013. The frescoes and the organ offer two different historical perspectives on the same church building.

The fortified complex of Sveti Lovreč includes the square Funtanela Tower, a nearby triangular tower and a bell tower that formerly served as a defensive tower. The town walls were expanded and developed in the 14th century, when Sveti Lovreč was the seat of the captains. The walls and towers are also associated with Byzantine fortification and later Venetian rule. This makes it possible to explore the architectural history through individual features and the development of the fortifications.

Discover more destinations: Heraki, Knapići, Radići, Gradina, Jakići Dolinji, Kruncici, Medvidići, Marasi.

Go to the broader travel overview: Općina Sveti Lovreč.