Located on the western side of the peninsula, this fortified town is often described as one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in Istria. Its circular layout, old stone walls, and towers immediately set the tone, making it clear that this was once an important defensive stronghold.
I found it fascinating how the preserved architecture still carries visible layers of history, from Byzantine times to Venetian rule. Photographing Sveti Lovreč felt like stepping into a living museum, where every corner reveals something new — a carved stone, a hidden church, or the remains of fortifications that once guarded the town.
The origins of Sveti Lovreč go back to prehistory when the site was a hillfort, later fortified under the Byzantines. Its most significant transformation came under Venetian rule, when it became the seat of military administration for the Venetian part of Istria, known as the Pazenatik. Walking through the town, I came across the monumental Great Gate adorned with the winged lion of St. Mark, the symbol of Venice, and the town loggia that still serves as a gathering place. Inside the Basilica of St. Martin, I admired fragments of 11th-century frescoes — the oldest in Istria — alongside later artworks and even historic organs from the 18th century. Small details, like the communal cistern decorated with coats of arms or the frescoes hidden inside the church of St. Blaise, add to the sense that this town has been carefully built and rebuilt through the centuries.
For me, Sveti Lovreč is the perfect place to slow down and take in the layered history of Istria. It’s not as crowded as some of the better-known towns, but its authenticity and atmosphere make it one of the most rewarding stops for anyone interested in history and photography.
If you’d like to see more of my photography from Sveti Lovreč and other Croatian destinations, take a look at the Explore page. You can also follow along with my photography journeys on Instagram at @croatia_captured.