Groznjan Hilltop Village of Artists
Groznjan Hilltop Village of Artists
4.5
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4.5
488 reviews
Excellent
373
Very good
92
Average
12
Poor
7
Terrible
4
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fluffymonkey
Worcester, UK4,280 contributions
Aug 2022
Often referred to as the 'artists village' there are more boutique/craft shops and art galleries than you can shake a stick at here. Admittedly not all to our taste but some hidden gems all the same. Look out for the small jewellery/leather shop (blue door with butterfly motif) and a unique clothing store where you'll find the owner somewhere around if you loiter long enough in the shop!
The town has a clever one way traffic and parking system so its a breeze to find a spot, pay and walk into the old town.
The town has a clever one way traffic and parking system so its a breeze to find a spot, pay and walk into the old town.
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CatharineB
Ottawa, Canada1,642 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Grožnjan is known as the village of the artists due to its many galleries and art studios, but be careful as you will come across items made in China. We visited the chapel and walked along some quiet cobbled streets and enjoyed the beautiful views of the green countryside and mountains in the background. This was my favourite village, just stunning. We stopped at one of the many “official” Aura shops for taste testing and off course making purchases. Another stop at Zigante to purchase truffle infused olive oil and potato chips. The latter was an acquired taste – went well with wine and beer.
Groznjan is located a short distance from the motorway exit and climbs up the hills of the area. The views were breathtaking and we enjoyed walking through the cobblestone lined, narrow alleys, and snapping picture after picture of the old stone buildings that seem so lovingly well maintained. It is advisable to wear good shoes because the narrow streets are very unevenly paved. There are no “sights” here, but it was a delightful place to just stroll and wander around. And be prepared to walk around in circles and just chill.
We were very fortunate that when we visited, it was not too crowded, although there were numerous school groups, with ill-behaved teens, running around – somewhat marred our experience, but once we left the main street, it was much quieter. Try not to rush and just enjoy the vibe and views.
Of course it was touristy, but we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Parking is available just on the outskirts of town, near the cemetery – an easy walk in.
Groznjan is located a short distance from the motorway exit and climbs up the hills of the area. The views were breathtaking and we enjoyed walking through the cobblestone lined, narrow alleys, and snapping picture after picture of the old stone buildings that seem so lovingly well maintained. It is advisable to wear good shoes because the narrow streets are very unevenly paved. There are no “sights” here, but it was a delightful place to just stroll and wander around. And be prepared to walk around in circles and just chill.
We were very fortunate that when we visited, it was not too crowded, although there were numerous school groups, with ill-behaved teens, running around – somewhat marred our experience, but once we left the main street, it was much quieter. Try not to rush and just enjoy the vibe and views.
Of course it was touristy, but we thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Parking is available just on the outskirts of town, near the cemetery – an easy walk in.
Written 29 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boonstra
Leesburg, VA291 contributions
Jun 2022
We saw the town from a distance and hoped that was where we were heading. You can easily walk the town in an hour or two. It is just what you hope a small hillside town will feel like. The art was pretty good, but lots of it was more crafty, which is probably what tourists want to buy. Overall it was a fun afternoon.
Written 29 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie5466
Guanajuato Municipality, Mexico1,151 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
A very pleasant little hilltop town with an artistic, medieval vibe. Fewer than 170 people call this place home. From lovely konobas (aka trattorias) with home-cooked food to the beautiful old town, there is much to see and experience.
The first mention of the fortified town of Grožnjan dates from 1102. From 1358 to 1797, it was governed by Venice. It overlooks the Mirna Valley and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Adriatic Sea from here.
In 1955, the then, almost deserted village, became part of the municipality of Buje and over the next few years several of its old properties were renovated. In 1965, many of the homes were given to artists from Croatia and Slovenia who began renovating the buildings reviving the town.
There are several of these small walled towns in Slovenia and Croatia but this one is different in the sense that it is geared much more artistically via music and visual arts.
In 1965, it was declared ‘City of Artists’ and has been the residence of the ‘International Cultural Centre of Jeunesses Musicales Croatia’ since 1969. Numerous artists are temporarily or permanently resident in Grožnjan and its surroundings, known as the ‘Grožnjan Art Circle’. There are about 40 ateliers around the area. Their work of arts can be seen in the town gallery ‘Fonticus’ or in private galleries.
Here you can attend the International Painting Festival ‘Ex tempore’ (Sept), the Jazz Festival ‘Jazz is Back’ (July) along with many other exhibitions, concerts and artistic courses.
Grožnjan is also a member of ‘Citta del vino’ (Cities of wine), and Cities of Olive Oil which you find for sale in a couple of places.
The Castle, also first mentioned in 1102, is where the International Cultural Centre of Jeunesses Musicales Croatia is now located. The Fonticus, built in 1597, now houses an art gallery. The town gate is from the 15th century. The Stationary Office from 1492, the Old Smithy from 1406 (it was for rent when I visited), and the Parish Church was first mentioned in 1310 while its current appearance dates from 1748-70.
Meander slowly in narrow cobble stone alleyways, looking at nautical themed sculptures, colorful shutters and plants, street signs made of ceramic, coat of arms, etc. Definitely worth a small detour.
The first mention of the fortified town of Grožnjan dates from 1102. From 1358 to 1797, it was governed by Venice. It overlooks the Mirna Valley and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Adriatic Sea from here.
In 1955, the then, almost deserted village, became part of the municipality of Buje and over the next few years several of its old properties were renovated. In 1965, many of the homes were given to artists from Croatia and Slovenia who began renovating the buildings reviving the town.
There are several of these small walled towns in Slovenia and Croatia but this one is different in the sense that it is geared much more artistically via music and visual arts.
In 1965, it was declared ‘City of Artists’ and has been the residence of the ‘International Cultural Centre of Jeunesses Musicales Croatia’ since 1969. Numerous artists are temporarily or permanently resident in Grožnjan and its surroundings, known as the ‘Grožnjan Art Circle’. There are about 40 ateliers around the area. Their work of arts can be seen in the town gallery ‘Fonticus’ or in private galleries.
Here you can attend the International Painting Festival ‘Ex tempore’ (Sept), the Jazz Festival ‘Jazz is Back’ (July) along with many other exhibitions, concerts and artistic courses.
Grožnjan is also a member of ‘Citta del vino’ (Cities of wine), and Cities of Olive Oil which you find for sale in a couple of places.
The Castle, also first mentioned in 1102, is where the International Cultural Centre of Jeunesses Musicales Croatia is now located. The Fonticus, built in 1597, now houses an art gallery. The town gate is from the 15th century. The Stationary Office from 1492, the Old Smithy from 1406 (it was for rent when I visited), and the Parish Church was first mentioned in 1310 while its current appearance dates from 1748-70.
Meander slowly in narrow cobble stone alleyways, looking at nautical themed sculptures, colorful shutters and plants, street signs made of ceramic, coat of arms, etc. Definitely worth a small detour.
Written 9 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
linskitours
Harpenden, UK596 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
My favourite of the 4 hill villages we visited. Good car park. You then walk down into a place of great architectural merit, with some great views. The artists side seemed over emphasised but there were small studios. We liked the “ship art” on the main terrace. The absence of traffic is a joy. A very attractive place well worth the drive which itself is nice.
Written 14 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Britta Z
Graz, Austria52 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
One of the most delightful destinations in Istria. This entire town is a film set. The houses are lovingly framed by plants and each one is a photo opportunity. The gallery owners are very friendly in the off-season and try to explain their work. Be careful - bring cash, ATMs are only available in the delicatessens.
Shady gardens, some with a view of the entire valley below, invite you to linger.
Shady gardens, some with a view of the entire valley below, invite you to linger.
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KTLeber
Frankfurt, Germany1,002 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
There are many such hill towns, even in Italy. You can stroll through and enjoy idyllic alleys and nice shops; the nap shops to be found elsewhere can not be found here, thank God. However, you have to prepare for many tourists and always remember that you are part of the problem yourself.
Automatically translated
Written 20 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SAR111222
Sarasota, FL17 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
One of our favorite Istrian places to visit. Charming hilltop town, cobblestone streets (challenging - wear appropriate footwear!), many artist shops and friendly owners. Perfect morning for a stroll and coffee overlooking the valley below - added bonus overhearing orchestral practice from one of central buildings. Parking ample and easy at base of town.
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Go705016
7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Tiny and very well-kept village, in medieval Italian style, with stone paving and buildings. There is an international music school there in the summer which welcomes artists from all over. Visiting it, you can listen to the music coming from the windows of this school in the streets, produced by the students practicing the different instruments while sipping a wine or a beer.
As for the artists, however, I only found a vague memory of shops selling souvenirs to tourists.
As for the artists, however, I only found a vague memory of shops selling souvenirs to tourists.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pfefmeister
San Francisco, CA4,367 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We stopped at many of the hilltop villages in the area, and thought this one the best. Park outside the town, pay for your ticket, and wander through the narrow streets. This would be a fun town to live in and practice your art. Not too bad on tourists, the town was sparse with guests, so we felt not crowded. Lots of little nooks and crannies - just the way we like it!
Written 9 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, if we are driving up from Rovinj to Bled and plan to stop off in Postojina caves and Groznjan on the way up, what itinerary and or specific stopping point would you suggest? Thanks
Written 18 June 2018
I'm sorry, I am not sure that I understand your question...
If you mean, what would you do during a stop in Groznjan...I would suggest that you could eat a meal there and enjoy looking at shops/artwork, stretch your legs walking around the city - especially around the outer edge to view and photograph the natural scenery from the lofty vantage point!
Written 24 July 2018
What do you think about Groznjan as a destination for a couple of older women? I am driving and my sister worries about accessible and "hairy" roads. We are also somewhat limited in mobility with knee issues so wonder about steep village streets. Is Motovun better or worse in those respects?
Written 22 May 2018
Hiya! DEFINITELY Groznjan if you have mobility issues! There is a parking area close by, and as voler mentions, relatively flat in the village area itself. Motovun requires you to park at the bottom of a very steep hill, so it is quite hard going - even for those with no mobility issues! It is a beautiful little village; we enjoyed it much more than Motovun. Happy travels!
Written 1 June 2018
We ate at Restaurant Rondo in Buje before visiting Groznjan. We can thoroughly recommend Rondo for great pizza and the Istrian meat and cheese starter platter
Written 10 August 2017
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