Vodnjan-Dignano is one of those places in Istria where history is layered into every stone and narrow alley. Located just a short drive from Pula, this small town has a character that makes it stand out. Walking through its medieval streets, I immediately felt the mix of cultures that shaped it — from Roman foundations to Venetian influence, all still visible in the architecture today.
The photo I captured here shows part of Vodnjan’s historic core, with its winding cobbled streets and old stone facades – but with a modern twist – nice looking mural on the old architecture. I found myself drawn to the details — Gothic-Venetian windows, Renaissance portals, and baroque touches on houses that line the uneven streets. Photographing Vodnjan felt like documenting a town that still carries the spirit of past centuries in a very tangible way.
The history of Vodnjan goes far back. According to legend, it was formed by the union of seven surrounding villas as a way to withstand the political struggles between the Patriarch of Aquileia and Venice. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times and later became a Roman settlement known as Vicus Attinianum. Over the centuries, Vodnjan passed through Ostrogothic, Byzantine, Venetian, and Austrian rule, each leaving behind traces that shaped the town we see today. Its statute, created in the 14th century, regulated public and private life for over four hundred years. Today, Vodnjan is known not only for its preserved medieval town plan but also for its surrounding landscape, dotted with traditional stone shelters called kažuni, symbols of Istria’s rural heritage.
For me, Vodnjan is more than just a historic town — it’s a living museum of Istrian tradition with already mentioned murals hidden all around the city. Every visit brings something new to notice, whether it’s an overlooked church, a hidden courtyard, or a small architectural detail. It’s the kind of place that rewards slow exploration and a curious eye.
If you’d like to see more of my photos from Vodnjan and other Istrian towns, head over to the Explore page. For daily updates and snapshots from across Croatia, follow my journey on Instagram at @croatia_captured.