Surroundings, Pula

The village of Barban, located 28km / 17mi northeast of Pula, is not a major tourist destination by any measure, but the town makes an interesting stop for anyone touring this area. Barban has a long history, some of which is reflected in the town's architecture. Remnants of a medieval fortification now form portions of a number of Renaissance structures. The main attractions are the church of St Niholas (Sv Nikola), the Church of St Anthony (Sv Antun), and the Great Gate (Vela Vrata). Each year in August the village hosts the annual Tournament of the Ring / Tilting at the Ring (Trka na Prstenac). The competition originated in the 17th Century. Dressed in traditional costume competitors on horseback have 12 seconds to try to spear a small ring with a lance. This event has been going on in Barban since the 1970s and now attracts much attention.

Fazana (Fasana) is primarily a jumping off point for visitors interested in visiting the nearby Brujuni National Park. From Fazana there is regular service to the islands which comprise the park. However, for those with a little extra time, Fazana has a few points of interest. The church of St Cosmas and St Damian (Sv Kuzma I Damjan) has origins which date to the 11th Century. Of course since that time it has undergone renovations and reconstructions. On the side of the church is a bell tower and clock which stand seven stories high, dwarfing the little church. Another church, Our Lady of Carmel, dates to the 14th Century, and the Church of St Elys, nearby, dates to the 6th Century. There are some facilities here for tourists who want to spend some time in Fazana before rushing off to the Park.

Located just 11km / 6.5mi from Pula is the hillside town of Vodnjan (It Dignano), surrounded by orchards and olive groves. Its proximity to Pula makes Vodnjan a good candidate for a day trip, or even a half-day trip. The tightly packed medieval town center is a nice place to walk through. There are also some unique attractions including the Baroque Church of St Blaise (Crkva Svetog Blaza). In a glass container behind the church's main altar are the mummified bodies of St Leon Bembo, St Giovanni Olini, and St Nicholas Bursa. Mysteriously, although they were not embalmed or properly treated, the bodies have never decomposed. Believers come here to pray and some are said to have been miraculously cured by the saints. The church also houses some 17th to 19th Century religious art.

The small town of Bale (Valle) is located 15km / 9mi from Rovinj. The town has a long history, which has contributed some unique architecture. Bale began as a fort constructed by the Illyrians who likely chose the location because of its elevated position. Today the town's economy is largely based on agriculture. Noteworthy places in Bale are the Gothic-Venetian Magistrate's Court, the 15th Century Gothic Renaissance Castle, and the Romanesque Church of St Elizabeth (Sv Elizabete). Bale is also known for a number of popular public feasts including Bale Night (Blajanska noc) held the first Saturday in August, Velika Gospa (The Assumption of Mary) on August 15th and an art exhibition which is held during July and August.

Svetvincenat (It Sanvincenzo), 26km / 16mi from Pula on the road between Vodnjan and Pazin, is as walled village dating from the 10th Century. On a high point of land, the town developed around a fort and named for the Romanesque Church of St Vincent (Crkva Sv Vincenata) and adjoining cemetery, which date to the 12th Century.Svetvincenat has a beautiful main square (placa) where visitors will find the 15th Century Church of the Annunciation. The interior of the church contains works by Palma il Giovane. The medieval castle, overlooking the main square, was built in the 13th Century. Today the castle is used to host open air events and concerts during the summer months.

The little fishing village of Banjole is located 6km / 3.5mi southeast of Pula. Unlike some of the coastal resorts in Istria, Banjole offers a glimpse into Croatian life and the small town fishing industry. The town does not have large scale resorts or complexes, but visitors can find accommodation in local homes or other modest accommodation options. There is a nice beach in Banjole and plenty of recreational opportunities, particularly water sports and sport fishing. There are also a number of biking and walking trails.Nearby is the 7th to 8th Century church of St Nicholas (St Mikula).