Buzet

The ancient town of Buzet, called Pinquentum during the Roman times, is situated in the heart of Istria at the top of a hill, at the foot of the impressive Čičarije, near the source of the Mirna River.It has changed masters throughout its history, and received its present day look in the fifteenth century under Venetian rule. The town fortress and two town gates have been preserved from that time. The baroque fountain, restored in 1789, is one of the most beautiful, preserved town fountains Population 6,059 (2001)but only about 500 living in the city itself, the largest settlement being Funtana in the valley below Buzet. .Already at the time of Venetian rule Buzet supplied military stations and the local population with potable water. Today the region of Buze-stina is the central area of the future Native Park of Istria. Exceptionally beautiful, almost intact nature and an abundance of cultural and historical monuments, together with wholesome, home-made food (especially wide known funges - truffles), exquisite local wines, folklore (ancient music playing - lamentations and dances - balun, legends of citadels) and pearls of small towns on conically shaped hills (Roc, Hum, Vrh and Sovinjak) are a real promised land for peaceful rest.

The parish church of the Assumption of Mary, carved into the bare rock, dominates the town's main square.
A new settlement has developed at the base of the old town core from where I took this view and where I had a good haircut for £4.
One drives up round haipins to the old city and enter a one way system through this gate.The Venetian-style Large Gate and Small Gate date from the late 16th century and the town's most outstanding monument, the Church of St George was built in 1611. Amazingly there are no parking restrictions. What can it be like in summer?
Leving Buzet.