Gracisce, Istira
The Buzon vinyards
This summer, fate put in our path this charming village in Croatia, called Gracisce, where we stayed in a lovely villa, belonging to friends. The villa (also called “Gracisce”) was situated just outside the village, and the walk there delighted us with the extensive vineyards, its hills, unusual geological formations, due to discrepancy between the erosian of soft stone against hard stone and the lovely houses of Gracisce in the distance.
The strange geological shapes
Gracisce has had the pleasure of belonging to almost anyone in Europe. After the Roman Empire won the military conflict with the Histri tribe – who gave the name of the peninsular – Istria, in 177 BC, the land became part of the Roman Empire, until after the division of the empire to an Eastern and Western Roman Empire, it became part of the Eastern one – the Byzantine Empire until 751. Then it became part of the French Empire, then the Kingdom of Italy, then Germany – part of Bavaria. From the 11th century, it became part of the Republic of Venice, then it was the property of the House of Hapsburg of Austria. In 1805, it became p
Gracisce’s most important role in the past was as a guardian-fortress on the boundary of the Venetian Republic and the Habsburg Empire. It was a garrison town at the time, with many buildings being built in Italian style in the 15/16 century. They charm you with their elegance and despite the fact that a number of them are presently unused, they create a wonderful atmosphere of Italian serenity.art of the Italian Kingdom, then – of the French Empire and after the World War I – part of Italy again. After World War II, it became part of Yugoslavia. After its break -up, it became part of Croatia. See what I mean?
Gracisce from afar
Of interest are the Salomon Palace (in Venetian Gothic style – its only example in Istria) , the Bishops Palace, which the Bishop of Pican used it as a summer retreat, the Church of St Mary – built in 1425 and St Euphemia, rebuilt form the 16th century in a Baroque style, with an amazing wooden Crucifix form the 13th century. The towns’ fortifications – unfortunately are almost entirely lost, except for one tower, and the main gates
The town gate
of the town.
The views from the town (situated on an hill of 457 meters above sea level), allow the visitor magnificent views to the mountains around – Ucka Mountain Range, the Julian Alps, and the Dolomites.
We visited the Bazon vinery, had a private tasting and purchased some good Croatian wine. Tourism is slowly becoming a significant part of the Gracisce economy, previously mainly depending on agriculture and animal husbandry. It is asleepy and enchanting place to visit!
Is Juliet there?
Most of these houses are not used
A beautiful passage
The Bell, which you see from miles away
The only remnant from the town defences
Some buildings are used now