Janko

Vrsar - Istria

Vrsar, the old Orsera

One of the most beautiful Istrian towns is located on a hill overlooking the mouth of sheer natural beauty, the Lim bay, and is easily recognized for the yellow coloured Bishops’ castle on the hilltop. The breathtaking view from the hill spreads over the 18 green islets laying on the sunkissed blue sea. The town was named after the ancient word "ur", which means source and refers to the source of the famous Istrian rock, which was for centuries mined by the different residents of the town. Nowadays their efforts can be admired in the cobbled streets with marvelous pebbled buildings decorated with stone figures, balconies and roofs. Another special treasure of Vrsar, for centuries, has been the production of salt.

In the olden days this wonderful place was also enjoyed by the world-famous Venetian lover Giacomo Casanova who did not only write about women and wine but also mentioned the special appeal of the Istrian peninsula, especially of Vrsar. The old fishing town was also famous for being the Bishop’s summer residence and also for the important quarry in Roman times, the Montraker. Later on, in modern times, Vrsar becomes a more and more popular vacation destination with high-quality hotels, modern holiday resorts and a wide range of amenities for visitors looking for a peaceful, relaxing vacation combined with fun and activities, be it ashore or in the crystal-clear waters of the Croatian Adriatic Sea. Once a place for ancient sailors to rest,  is today an oasis that pampers your soul with its beauty and pleasure.

Not to be missed: Church of St. Foška, Main gate, The summer residence of the Bishop of Poreč, Old Romanesque door, Roman magazine and necropolis, Early Christian basilica, The Romanesque basilica of St. Mary of the Sea, Lim Bay, Montraker Peninsula.

Events to visit: Fishermen's Festival in May, Casanovafest in June, Montraker live music festival in July, Water polo cup Vrsar in August and Montraker quarry-international sculpture school in September.