Welcome to the start of the “Paths of Sacred Heritage of Grožnjan”!

We wish you an abundance of spiritual fruits that will accompany you on many days of your everyday life.

Before you begin walking or cycling along these paths, it’s good to keep a few important pieces of information and guidelines in mind:

• The route can be undertaken in a group or individually.
• The activity is designed so that you start with a brochure containing information about spiritual and heritage sites, followed by prayers and images from the main points along the route.
• Along with the brochure, for each stop, use the spiritual reflections, route descriptions for each point, and the GPX tracks which you can download to your mobile device (instructions for downloading GPX tracks can be easily found online).
• By reading about Grožnjan’s sacred heritage and viewing the images, you will get a sense of the wealth that exists in such a small area.
• Visiting sacred and cultural sites outside of the route is at your own risk; it is recommended to stay on the main route to avoid getting lost.
• Make sure to carry enough water and set off…

Our journey and hike begin in the picturesque Istrian town of Grožnjan, titled “Town of Artists” since 1965. Starting in front of the Parish Church of Sts. Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia, built in the second half of the 17th century, we exit the northeastern side of the town walls. From there, we continue straight for about 300 meters before turning right to reach a point where, approximately 120 years ago, the famous Parenzana narrow-gauge railway was established. This railway once connected Poreč and Trieste over 123 kilometres. Today, the route is known as the “Trail of Health and Friendship,” considered the most beautiful cycling path in Istria, featuring stunning viewpoints, tunnels, and viaducts. During our walk, we pass through two tunnels: the first is Kalcini Tunnel (179 meters long), located at the highest point of Parenzana (293 meters above sea level), while the second, slightly shorter tunnel is named Kostanjica. Walking through idyllic landscapes and forests and crossing small bridges offers a spiritual experience and enjoyment of natural heritage—all in one!

After three kilometres, we take a sharp right turn toward the “Olive Oil Road” (B10), owned by Boris Galić’s family. Passing through olive groves, fields, and vineyards, we finally descend to the charming little place of Kostanjica, which marks our second point.

Grožnjan – Grisignana

Nestled on a hill near the Mirna River in mystical medieval stone lies Grožnjan, the Istrian town of artists. It is only a half-hour walk from the beaches and camps of Umag and Novigrad.

Grožnjan is of significant cultural importance, not just in Croatia but also internationally. Since 1969, it has been home to the International Cultural Center of Croatian Youth Music, the Imaginary Film Academy since 1995, and the Art Colony of the Croatian Association of Fine Artists of Istria, which has been professionally operating with its program since 1999. It features 28 ateliers, numerous galleries, and art workshops. Grožnjan is also renowned for its globally famous Ex Tempore Art Festival, the Jazz Festival (established by the legendary jazz musician and educator Boško Petrović), and the Annual Exhibition of the Grožnjan Art Circle.

Grožnjan is an awe-inspiring artistic town worthy of a visit to experience its events and manifestations firsthand.