Dvigrad

Dvigrad is not just one more set of ruins of an old fortified town. We had never heard of it before, so we had no expectations at all, and it completely enchanted us!

Dvigrad has a charm all of its own and is full of architectural details we are not used to seeing on ruins of this kind. And one more thing – it is huge! It is ringed by a double line of defensive walls linking three town gates. Large parts of the fortifications are overgrown and not obvious at first glance, but little by little you uncover them as you explore.

The central square delighted us in particular! It radiates an energy that tempts you to sit down and stay a while. Through the centuries it must have been the townspeople’s favourite gathering place. Its northern end is raised and finishes in steps leading up to the “citadel”. That “citadel” is in fact the remains of the church of St. Sophia. The entrance is closed off by a grille, but even the view through it into the fascinating interior is a real treat.

Dvigrad was built in a strategic spot on the line of the ancient roads. It is first mentioned in 879 and was under church rule until the 13th century, when it passed into the hands of the Counts of Gorizia. Later it was ruled by the Venetians. For centuries it withstood numerous epidemics and sieges, but as its importance declined and the population moved away, in 1714 the church of St. Sophia was abandoned too, marking its final end.

Dvigrad is not just one more set of ruins of an old fortified town!

So there you are: if the road brings you to this part of Istria, do not forget Dvigrad.