You are now in the picturesque area of Buje where, as local legends tell us, there is a good sleepy giant on every hill and diligent fairies dance on its slopes at night. The city of Buje is perched on one of these hills recognizable from afar by two church belfries. Located at an altitude of 222 metres, thanks to its strategic position, in the past Buje has also been known as “the Guardian of Istria”. This is not surprising at all - one needs just to have a look at its medieval walls proudly erected in the middle of hilly landscape, citadel (Kaštel), the belfries of the church of St Servulus from the15th century and of the church of the Holly Mary from the 17th century.
What is to be discovered in the area of Buje?
Apart from enjoying the breathtaking landscape of the terrace-styled vineyards which resemble to an image on the front page of a holiday guide to Tuscany, you can indulge the sensation the area of Buje gives, a real polyphony of fragrances and tastes. After you have walked along the paved streets of the old centre of Buje, visited the Ethnographic museum and the Cathedral built on the foundations of the ancient Temple of Jupiter continue downhill, follow the trail leading through Bibali, Krug and Smilovići and you will reach Momjan – a magnificent place located at an altitude of 270 metres at a distance of only 18 km from the Riviera of Umag and Novigrad distinguished from afar by impressive ruins of the medieval citadel built on a rock. Beside discovering the first Wine road in Istria and Croatia and the joy of tasting quality wine in the wine cellars of the wine producers like Kozlović, Markežić, Prelac, Sinković, Smilović or Brajko, you will also find here the world’s best Muscat – that from Momjan. If you continue along the trail to the upper Buje area through Škarjevci, Kučibreg, Dugo Brdo and Vrnjak you will reach the most musical village of Istria - Marušići. Near the enchanting Marušići, a village with just thirty houses, you will find a very peculiar park - Forma Viva created thanks to the international summer school of sculpture “Kornarija” which takes place in a nearby abandoned quarry. Riding along the borders of the great Forest Park Kornarija you can go uphill until you reach the village of Triban where you can visit the church of St George from the 17th century and admire its magnificent interior decorated with stucco work and astonishing frescoes. If this sequence of experiences in the wine cellars along the trail seems to be too demanding or tiring for you, do not worry, there are also many pleasant konobas and agritourisms along the trail where you can rest, refresh yourself and taste delicious, genuine home-made food. Cheers! Enjoy your meal!