Rakalj is an Istrian town of rich cultural heritage, situated above Raša Bay, known for its centuries-old pottery tradition. Clay pots were once made here by mixing earth and quartz stone, baked in special ovens and loaded onto donkeys so that potters could sell them throughout Istria. Trade was conducted according to the principle: "Mira na miru, na viru", which we would say today – "Clear account, long love."
Historically, Rakalj was in the possession of the Counts of Gorizia, and then the Habsburgs, until after the War of the League of Cambrai it passed under the rule of the Venetian Republic. In 1536 it was sold as a feud to the powerful Venetian family Loredan, whose influence lasted until the mid-19th century. In the center of the town still stands the Loredan Palace – today a school building, and formerly the seat of this noble family.
The town is adorned by the parish church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the 15th century, while on the road to Krnica are the ruins of the church of St. Theodore (St. Tudor). North of the settlement rises the hill Gomila, a former prehistoric settlement and fortress.
Rakalj is also the birthplace of the famous Istrian writer and economist Mijo Mirković – Mate Balota. In his birth house there is a memorial collection that presents his life and work, but also displays the tradition of pottery and Istrian everyday life.
Not far from today's settlement, on a hill above Cape St. Nicholas, Old Rakalj settled – remains of a prehistoric hillfort, ancient fortress and medieval castle. It was first mentioned in 1288 as Castell Novo, and the settlement in 1312 under the name Castellare de Rachir. Today the ruins of defensive walls, towers and the small church of St. Agnes from the 15th century are visible – a frequent choice for romantic weddings thanks to the view that extends over Raša Bay and the Kvarner islands.
An old legend is also connected with this church. It is said that one dark, stormy night the Venetians landed with ships in the port "under Old Rakalj". They snuck into the town and removed the bells from the church of St. Agnes, which they then carried down the valley to the ships. But Saint Agnes, according to tradition, did not allow them to take the bells away. The ships, together with the bells and sailors, sank at the deepest place below the church. Since then, when the south wind picks up and the sea dully hits the cliffs, locals claim that the sound of lost bells can still be heard from the depths. People still say today – on stormy nights in Rakalj, bells ring from the sea.
Rakalj enchants visitors with its untouched nature, fragrant slopes and crystal-clear sea. Numerous cycling routes and hiking trails – among which the Stjepan Hauser Trail stands out, lead you through the most beautiful corners of this magical destination.
Why visit Rakalj?
Rakalj represents the perfect blend of history, culture and nature, making it an ideal destination for an authentic Istrian experience.
Located north of Pula, at the crossroads towards Labin and Vodnjan, Marčana is the administrative center of the municipality of the same name and host to the tourist office. The town remains faithful to its roots today – the local population engages in traditional agriculture, tourism and various service activities.
The rich history of this region dates back to ancient times. Marčana was first mentioned in 1243, when its representatives signed an act of loyalty to Pula to the Venetians. From 1331 it became part of the Venetian Republic. During the 15th century, plague epidemics struck the area, almost completely emptying the villages. The Venetians then settled refugees from Greece and Dalmatia in the 16th century.
The center of the town is dominated by the three-nave Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul from the 15th century, with a 25-meter high bell tower built in 1846. Also valuable is the medieval church of St. Anthony of Padua, extended at the end of the 16th century and consecrated in 1709.
On the road from Marčana towards Duga Uvala, hidden among the hills, lies Mutvoran – a small settlement of great historical significance. Its glorious past is confirmed by the remains of hillfort and medieval walls, as well as the parish church of St. Mary Magdalene with an exceptionally valuable altar and wedding crown. The bestiary displayed in the loggia at the entrance to the village also attracts special attention.
Mutvoran was built on the remains of a prehistoric hillfort from the Bronze and Iron Age, whose concentric ramparts are still visible today. It is mentioned in written sources as early as 1150 (as Castrum Monsmarianus), and played an important role in the Istrian Demarcation of 1325. It was under the rule of the Venetian Republic from 1331. After wars and epidemics in the 17th century, it gradually lost its importance.
Today, Mutvoran's rich cultural heritage is brought to life through interpretive walks that introduce visitors to its past.
On a hill above the sea, surrounded by forests, vineyards and pastures, lies Krnica – a village with roots in prehistory and Roman times. The Roman road Via Flanatica, which led from Pula towards Liburnia, passed through this area, and the remains of Roman buildings testify to the former importance of the region.
After plague epidemics in the 16th century, Krnica was founded by settlers from the Zadar region, initially calling it Saint Mary Krnička. Today the village is dominated by the baroque parish church of St. Roch from 1631.
Krnica is an ideal place for all nature lovers: in spring pick asparagus and medicinal herbs, in autumn grapes, mushrooms and olives, and throughout the year walk, cycle and enjoy the peace.
Krnički Porat, a picturesque sea cove below the village, is a true small fishing settlement – with wooden boats, stone houses and silence disturbed only by seagulls and waves. At dawn you can meet fishermen, buy fresh fish and breathe in the atmosphere of bygone times. A road through a pine forest, 2.5 km long, leads to Krnički Porat.
The cove was once an important maritime center – a merchant port and control point for Austro-Hungarian and Italian authorities. Today it is a popular bathing spot with beautiful rocky beaches and rich marine life, especially at the marked snorkeling location. Krnica and Porat offer numerous outdoor activities – diving, kayaking, SUP or cycling.
Kavran is located on a plateau, 150 meters above sea level, with a magical view of Kvarner and the bays of Budava and Vinjola. Inhabited since prehistoric times, this place is adorned with a series of archaeological sites such as Neolithic tumuli at Vela Gromača.
In the Middle Ages it was under the administration of Mutvoran castle, and then the Bishop of Pula. After it was almost deserted due to wars and plague in the 16th century, Kavran was resettled in the 17th and 18th centuries by refugees from Dalmatia and Boka Kotorska.
Particularly notable is the church of St. Jerome from the 18th century – a single-nave building with a side chapel, sacristy and three stone altars. The church compound is entered through a stone arched passage, and next to it is a traditional Istrian cistern.
Kavran offers peace and beauty of untouched nature: rocky beaches, marked snorkeling locations (like the one in Školjić cove), a pet-friendly beach at Punta Sika, and forest paths surrounded by dry stone walls, ideal for walking, swimming and relaxation.
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