Markovac brings together Gothic heritage and wine growing, with two cycling routes passing through the village. Set on a gentle rise at the end of the Kaštelir–Višnjan road, the village offers views of the sea across much of northern Poreština. If you are considering accommodation for a stay in Markovac, you can weigh your priorities between culture, wine and cycling.
A long history of wine growing
Traditional agriculture in Markovac is shaped particularly by wine growing. Two distinct wineries have ties to the village: Vina BERNOBIĆ dates the beginning of its winemaking history in Markovac to 1898; Poletti has been growing grapes here since 1842. The two dates refer to the respective wineries, not to a shared beginning.
Poletti’s vineyards lie on deep, red Istrian soil and cover seven hectares with seven grape varieties. Vina BERNOBIĆ’s wine range includes traditional skin-macerated Malvasia, Teran and Refošk. The range may change, so check the current selection if you are planning a tasting. Advance arrangements may be necessary for guided tastings at Poletti. Confirm your plans directly with the winery before visiting.
Gothic chapel in the village
The Gothic Chapel of St Helena of the Cross in Markovac dates from the 14th century and is dedicated to St Helena and St Agatha. It was restored in 1876. The building has a bell gable with a single bell. Inside is a built masonry altar with a wooden altarpiece, which includes figures of St Helena, St Agatha and St Anthony.
The chapel thus offers two distinct aspects of sacred architecture: the bell gable as a feature of the exterior and the altar furnishings inside. The 14th-century date and the 1876 restoration also represent two separate historical points in the building’s history.
Cycling routes through Markovac
The Istrian Wine Trail (156) is a cycling route that passes through Markovac. Official cycling route 104, “On the Edges of Poreč,” also runs through the village. If you plan to take either route, check the latest route information before setting off; route descriptions can change. These two routes provide a concrete connection to cycling, without assuming a particular duration or distance for their sections through Markovac.
More to explore in the wider destination of Općina Višnjan
In the wider destination of Općina Višnjan, Višnjan Observatory offers a distinct focus. It is a public observatory registered in 1992; its scientific work focuses primarily on small Solar System bodies and their interactions with Earth. Group visits are available year-round by prior arrangement. The group program includes an introductory talk on a scientific or astronomical topic, a tour of the observatory, the telescope dome and the Stone Circle, and, when weather conditions are suitable, an outdoor telescope observation.
The hiking trails in the wider destination of Općina Višnjan also differ in their stated features. The marked Owl Trail is 7.7 kilometres long, is suitable for family hikes and starts in a small pine grove near the Višnjan cemetery. It leads to the purpose-built Vena viewpoint, with views of olive groves, vineyards and the sea. The Venetian Lion Trail is 4.5 kilometres long and takes about two and a half hours. It passes through historic Višnjan, from Antun Korlević Square under the arch with the Venetian lion to the old village of Barat and back. While the Owl Trail highlights family hiking and a viewpoint, the Venetian Lion Trail combines a circular route with historical stops.
The historic centre of Višnjan in the wider destination of Općina Višnjan sits on a hill and is characterised by closely spaced stone houses and narrow lanes. A Baroque loggia stands on the main square. The Church of St Anthony the Abbot is known for its 14th-century frescoes and graffiti, including Glagolitic inscriptions. These architectural and artistic features add further cultural themes in the wider destination to Markovac’s wine growing and cycling routes.
Discover more destinations: Barici, Rapavel, Farini, Benčani, Anžići, Radoši kod Višnjana, Gambetići, Radovani
Back to the wider travel overview: Općina Višnjan.
