Discovering Buzet in Istria
Istria, a popular peninsula in Croatia, attracts loads of tourists every summer with its beautiful seaside cities, crystal-clear waters, and sunny weather. But beyond its stunning coastlines, Istria offers much more. In the northern and central parts of the peninsula, you’ll find charming small towns perched on hills that remind many of Tuscany or Umbria. Imagine starting your day snorkeling in the Adriatic and then spending your afternoon hunting for truffles. One particularly quiet yet architecturally rich town that surprises many is Buzet.
A Town Steeped in Medieval History
Buzet sits on a hill 150 meters high, overlooking the Mirna River, offering spectacular views of the valley and surroundings. People didn’t settle here just for the views, though. During prehistoric times, a hill fort watched over the road along the Mirna Valley. After Rome fell, the region became chaotic, and the inhabitants moved from the lowlands to the more defensible hill towns to escape barbarian invasions.
Walking through the serene streets of Buzet is like stepping back into the Middle Ages when the town was under Venetian rule, with much of it built in the 15th century. Town features like the Large and Small Gates date back to the late 16th century, and the Church of St. George was built in 1611. Wealthy citizens and patricians erected Renaissance and Baroque palaces, and Venetian captains, whose coats of arms are visible on many town monuments, carried out significant public works. The town’s rich architecture and stunning views of the neighboring hills never fail to impress visitors.
The Truffle Treasure of Istria
Buzet is surrounded by forests that hide a coveted treasure: truffles. Both black and white truffles can be found here, with the white truffle season running from September to January—perfect for those tasting fresh white truffles for the first time. Black truffles, however, are available year-round.
September is an ideal time to visit, coinciding with the celebration of the Virgin Mary’s birthday when Buzet hosts the Truffle Days. This event features a giant omelet in the town square, made with 2,000 eggs and 10 kilograms of truffles! Numerous shops sell truffle-related foods, and you can visit Croatia’s first truffle museum, created by local truffle hunters, the Karlić family.
Top 5 Things to Do in Buzet
1. Enjoy truffle-based dishes or shop for truffle products.
2. Relax at a café along the city walls and take in the view.
3. Wander through the peaceful streets.
4. Look for the Venetian captains’ coats of arms on various buildings.
5. Join a truffle hunt.
Buzet offers a unique blend of history, stunning views, and culinary delights that make it a hidden gem in Istria.
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