It was not my first time visiting Buzet, and for sure – not my last time! I was there in 2016, but this time, I spent a bit more time walking around the streets of the old town. I was confused that there were too many cars up there. From my perspective, that isn’t something that fits its vibe, but from the perspective of people who live there – I understand that.
Buzet, see you again!
So, what does the internet say about this cool old town?
Buzet, a town located in western Croatia in the Istrian County, is nestled in the picturesque Mirna River valley, forming a part of the area known as Buzeština. Situated adjacent to the Slovenian border, Buzet shares a boundary with the City Municipality of Koper in Slovenia. It is famously known as the “City of Truffles” and holds significance in Croatian motorsport.
Geographically, Buzet is positioned in the northernmost part of Istria, strategically located between three major cities: Rijeka, Trieste, and Pula. Covering a total area of 165 km², it borders several municipalities and the City of Pazin. The diverse landscape of Buzeština ranges from just 10 meters above sea level to over 1000 meters, offering a mix of Mediterranean climate in the Mirna River valley and a continental climate in the mountainous Ćićarija region. The old town of Buzet is perched on a 150-meter-high hill overlooking the Mirna River valley, with the newer part, known as Fontana, located at the hill’s base.
Buzet boasts a rich historical background. The region was settled by the Histri tribe during the Bronze Age, followed by Roman rule from 177 to 476 AD. Notably, the locals once erected a plaque to the goddess Augusta for protecting their town, Pinquentum (the ancient name for Buzet), from a plague. After the Roman era, the area came under Byzantine rule, followed by the arrival of Croats and Slovenes in the 7th century. The Franks ruled from the 8th century, succeeded by the Aquileia Patriarchs until 1421, when Venice assumed control until its fall in 1797. Subsequently, Buzet fell under the Habsburg Monarchy, Napoleon’s France, and returned to Habsburg rule. During the Monarchy’s reorganization, Buzet was part of the Austrian side and contributed to the national revival, advocating for Croatian rights.
A significant historical event for Buzet occurred in 1887 when Fran Flego was elected as the head of the municipality, marking Buzet as the first municipality in Istria with a Croatian mayor. The following year, Croatian was instituted as the official language in municipal offices, and the first Croatian school in Buzet opened in October 1890. Buzet is well-connected to other regions by state roads D201 and D44, including a border crossing at Požane. With its rich history, cultural significance, and renowned truffles, Buzet presents a fascinating destination for those interested in history, culture, or gastronomic delights.
Check the Showcase page of Buzet by clicking HERE.
