Kanfanar: Railway Heritage, Churches and Hotels

The Municipality of Kanfanar lies in the heart of the Istrian peninsula, where green Istria and blue Istria meet. Kanfanar and its surroundings offer several points of interest for a stay: architectural history in the town, traces of medieval Dvigrad and cycling routes with a special connection to the railway’s past.

Architectural History in Kanfanar

Kanfanar’s bell tower was built in 1732, stands 25 metres high and has three bells. The parish church of St. Sylvester also stands in the town. Built in 1696, it dates back to the 17th century. A 13th-century stone pulpit inside the church originally stood in the Basilica of St. Sophia in Dvigrad. This furnishing creates a tangible historical link between the church in Kanfanar and nearby Dvigrad.

Cycling Routes and Railway Heritage

Štrika-Ferata, a route for cyclists and pedestrians, follows the former Kanfanar–Rovinj branch railway line. Along the route are three bridges, four railway stations and 14 watch houses. The former railway line is therefore a defining feature of the route; its stations and structures give the trail a distinctive historical context. For travellers interested in combining cycling with railway history, this is a specific theme to consider when planning a trip.

Another route, Journey to Central Istria, starts and ends in the centre of the Municipality of Kanfanar. The two routes can be distinguished by different features: Štrika-Ferata focuses on the former railway line and its structures, while Journey to Central Istria is defined by its starting and ending point in the municipal centre. Check the route and conditions before setting out.

The Captain Morgan and the Ghost Town cycling route is also located in the wider destination of the Municipality of Kanfanar. It is 23.8 kilometres long, rated moderate, and starts and ends in Kanfanar. The route passes through the Limska Draga valley and Dvigrad. If you plan to take this tour, check the route and conditions before departure.

Dvigrad and Other Historic Sites

The surviving remains of Dvigrad lie near Kanfanar. Two rings of city walls, a city gate and three defensive towers enclose the site. Dvigrad was first mentioned in 879. The Church of St. Sophia stands on the central and highest plateau, in the main square. Its present appearance probably dates from the 13th century.

Nearby, the Church of St. Agatha is also a remarkable building: it is early Romanesque and has wall paintings dated to the second half of the 11th century. The different dates refer to distinct historical aspects: 879 is the first mention of Dvigrad, the 11th century is the date assigned to the wall paintings, and the 13th century is the probable date of the Church of St. Sophia’s present appearance. Kašteljir, a prehistoric archaeological site below a former hillfort settlement, is also near Kanfanar.

Another Point of Interest: the Istrian Ox

The Park of the Istrian Ox in Kanfanar is dedicated to the Istrian ox. It is a themed visitor complex with multimedia features, children’s play areas and information panels about the Istrian ox. The park also displays life-size growth stages of Istrian cattle. These themes offer a different focus from the churches and railway relics and may play a distinct role in planning your trip.

In the Municipality of Kanfanar, Jakovlja is a traditional festival held in Kanfanar on the last weekend of July. If you would like to plan your stay around it, check the dates for the relevant edition.

Discover more destinations: Putini, Sosici, Dubravci, Barat, Okreti, Marići, Bubani, Ladići.

For the wider travel overview: Municipality of Kanfanar.