In Žminj, an ensemble of fortification-related and sacred buildings preserves traces of various eras. These include remains of 15th-century walls, a castle, a round tower, a public cistern dating from 1863, the parish church of St. Michael, and several chapels decorated with frescoes. The town’s history also includes the traditional Bartulja, a folk festival held around the Church of St. Bartholomew on the last Saturday in August.
Renting a holiday apartment in Žminj can be part of your personal travel planning.
Culture and History
The castle of Žminj was built in the 15th century, probably on a square ground plan. The Chapel of the Holy Trinity was added along its southern wall and painted in 1471. The Gothic Church of the Holy Trinity, dating from the 15th century, stands north of the parish church of St. Michael and was once freestanding within Žminj Castle.
The Church of St. Anthony the Abbot was built in 1381 by Master Armirigus. The parish church of St. Michael was built within the former fortress of Žminj; a wall of Žminj Castle was reused for its side façade. The Žminj Tower is used for exhibitions. On 8 May 1969, the Čakavski Sabor was founded in Žminj as a cultural and scientific assembly that initially focused on Čakavian poetry.
Getting Around and Orientation
Trail 761 Žminj–Feštini starts in Žminj next to the tower. Rumenija is an 8.5-kilometre easy cycling route.
A visitor map project by Authentic Istria places an information board next to the Žminj Tower and provides printed maps as well as maps with QR codes.
Local Life and Culinary Insights
Žminjska štuorija is considered an offering that introduces visitors to the history, customs, language, and sacred and secular architectural heritage of Žminj, as well as a free guided city tour in English offered during the summer months. It includes a tasting of homemade bread, demonstrations of how local makaruni and fuži are prepared, and a tasting of Žminjer coffee.
The Istrian Pasta Festival in Žminj promotes and preserves traditional Istrian pasta and supports local producers.
