Kringa brings together a short walking route to older churches and a Calvary, archaeological layers from different periods, and the legend of Jure Grando. Visitors interested in architectural history, early fortifications and traditional stories will find several distinct ways to explore the area’s history. A separate section also presents historical topics from the wider destination of Općina Tinjan.
Churches and Calvary in Kringa
The central cultural heritage area includes the parish church of St Peter and Paul, dating from 1787, three older churches—including St Anne’s, dating from 1558—and a rustic Calvary built in 1876. The older churches and the Calvary can be visited on a short walking route. This brings buildings from several centuries into focus without reducing the individual stops to a single period.
Archaeological layers and a legend
The area’s earlier history is also varied: Kringa occupies the site of an Iron Age hillfort and a later Roman fortification. Archaeological finds include unusual Stone Age idols.
The legend of Jure Grando, a resident of Kringa, tells a different kind of local history. The story was recorded by Janez Vajkard Valvasor. Jure Grando is considered the oldest European vampire recorded in writing under his own name. Alongside buildings and archaeological finds, a traditional tale and its written account are also central to the story of the area.
Historical topics in the wider destination of Općina Tinjan
More architectural history can be found in Tinjan, within the wider destination of Općina Tinjan. The Depiera House is a Baroque architectural monument. Its projecting chimney is dated to 1670; the Neoclassical arcaded porch and the cistern date from 1820. The parish church of St Simon and Jude Thaddeus dates from the 18th century and is considered an example of late Baroque architecture in Istria. By contrast, the old cemetery church of the Holy Cross was built in the Romanesque style as early as the 13th century.
The fortifications and assembly buildings in Tinjan also tell of the area’s other uses. Visible remains of the older defensive wall include bricked-up battlements dating from the 14th century; the former town gate was protected by a drawbridge. The former town loggia was covered and widely open on three sides. People’s representatives, community leaders and judges gathered there. Another regional feature is Tinjan’s kažuni: they are not always round but are often square; some are even underground.
Cycling route, crafts and regional cuisine
The Jure Grando cycling route starts in Kringa and is part of the wider destination of Općina Tinjan. The moderately difficult circular route is 27.7 kilometres long, with a total elevation gain of 378 metres. It connects the cycling networks of the municipalities of Kanfanar, Sveti Lovreč and Tinjan, linking the Istrian interior with the coast. The distance, difficulty rating and elevation gain each offer a different guide for planning your own ride. As route conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting off.
The Festival of Kosir knives and other blacksmithing work in Tinjan is also part of the region’s cultural life. It is traditionally held on St Simon’s Day; exact dates and the programme may vary. The production of high-quality smoked ham is also a tradition in the Tinjan area, preserved by numerous registered ham producers. Crafts and food culture thus complement the churches, fortifications and traditions as further themes of the wider destination of Općina Tinjan.
Discover more destinations: Brečevići, Brčići, Žužići, Jakovici, Muntrilj, Tinjan, Radetići
Return to the wider travel overview: Općina Tinjan.
