After a long road trip at the end of August, it’s been two months since I last went on any trips to take photos for the Croatia Captured project. I knew I wouldn’t be able to do another long road trip until 2025, so I wrote down a few ideas for one- or two-day road trips to take before the end of 2024. The first of these was this one.
The plan was to visit a few places in Kvarner (specifically, the east side of the Istrian peninsula) and a few places within Istria itself.
The day started at 4 am, and I left Zagreb before 6 am. The weather wasn’t as I had hoped for, but at least it wasn’t raining. Fun fact: when I set off back to Zagreb, the clouds disappeared, and the sun was shining. Yes, fun times.
During the trip, I visited Lovran, Mošćenice (first visited in 2016), Brseč, Old Town Plomin, Old Town Kršan, and Old Town Labin. I had a few more places on the list, but this road trip was too much for one day, and I was too tired, so I set off for Zagreb after Labin.
Now, let’s see what the internet has to say about the last location of that day – Old town Labin.
Old Town Labin is a captivating blend of history, culture, and architecture, perched on a hill in eastern Istria. Once a fortified acropolis, its current appearance was shaped between the 16th and 18th centuries. The town’s rich cultural heritage is evident as you stroll through its narrow streets, surrounded by Renaissance and Baroque palaces, centuries-old churches, and striking historical monuments.
A Walk Through History
Labin’s main square, Titov trg (formerly Crć), is home to the well-preserved 16th-century loggia, a popular gathering spot. The city gate of St. Flora, dating back to the Venetian era, still proudly bears the Labin coat of arms and the winged lion of Venice, symbolizing the town’s history under Venetian rule. As you explore further, you’ll find remnants of Labin’s medieval fortifications, which transformed over time into residential buildings and palaces.
One of the town’s most prominent landmarks is the Battiala-Lazzarini Palace, a Baroque masterpiece from the 18th century. Today, this palace houses the Labin National Museum, where visitors can explore a rich collection of archaeological, ethnographic, and cultural artifacts. A unique highlight of the museum is a replica of a mining tunnel, showcasing Labin’s mining heritage.
Matthias Flacius Illyricus Memorial Collection
Labin is also the birthplace of Matthias Flacius Illyricus, a 16th-century theologian, historian, and key figure of the Protestant Reformation. His childhood home has been transformed into a memorial collection, showcasing his contributions to biblical hermeneutics and European thought. This exhibit offers a fascinating insight into the life and work of one of Labin’s most famous sons.
Sacred Landmarks
The Parish Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands as one of the few remaining monuments from Venice’s era of influence. Originally built in the 11th century, the church has undergone several restorations and now reflects elements of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles. Its façade features a Venetian lion with an open book, symbolizing peace in Venice during its construction.
The Church of St. Justus, dating back to the 9th century, and the Chapel of St. Stephen, with its lavish Baroque façade, are also significant historical treasures. Labin’s bell tower, built in 1623, offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is open to visitors during the summer months.
Mining Heritage
Labin’s history is deeply intertwined with mining, particularly coal extraction, which began in the nearby region in the 17th century. The town’s coal mining legacy reached its peak in the early 20th century when Labin became an important mining center under Italian rule. The museum’s mining exhibition vividly illustrates this crucial aspect of the town’s past, including the foundation of the Labin Republic, a short-lived workers’ movement in the 1920s.
Cultural and Artistic Hub
Old Town Labin is not only a historical gem but also a vibrant hub for artists. Known as the “town of artists,” Labin boasts numerous galleries and studios, with many local and international artists displaying their work. The Labin Art Colony has transformed the town into a cultural hotspot, attracting art enthusiasts from all over the world.
Exploring Labin Today
Visitors can also explore several hiking trails that connect Labin with the nearby coastal town of Rabac, offering scenic views of the Istrian countryside. Along the way, you’ll encounter old churches, such as the 14th-century Church of St. Mary Magdalene and the 15th-century Church of St. Mary of Health, both adorned with valuable paintings. Whether you’re interested in Labin’s rich mining history, its architectural splendor, or its flourishing art scene, Old Town Labin is a must-visit destination in Istria.