Ladići: St. Sixtus Church, Semi-Caves and Limestone Landscape

Ladići brings together two very different local features: St. Sixtus Church and the semi-caves at Ladićevi krugi. The area also has limestone terrain and planned routes.

Church and Semi-Caves

St. Sixtus Church in Ladići dates from the 12th century and was once part of a Benedictine abbey. It is a single-nave stone building. Its Romanesque bell tower has a bifora, or a two-part window, on the west side; there is an opening on each of the other sides. The date, building material and tower form give the church specific cultural and historical features: it can be placed in context both by its age and its structure.

The semi-caves at Ladićevi krugi were used from prehistoric times as dwellings and as shelters for livestock. These were two distinct uses: people lived there, and livestock found shelter. The landscape around Ladićevi krugi thus complements the church’s sacred history with a glimpse into earlier ways of living and making a livelihood.

Limestone Landscape and Planned Routes

Ladićevi krugi includes natural grassland and low scrub on limestone. These grasslands and shrubs are considered important orchid habitats under Habitat Directive 6210. Alongside the area’s cultural history, limestone habitats are therefore a defining natural feature.

The planning status of the hiking trails is important. P3 is planned as a 1.9-kilometre route from Kanfanar to Ladići via Limska draga. Another planned route, P2.1, runs around Ladićevi krugi. Before setting out, check whether the route in question has been implemented and signposted.

Another option for cyclists is the Monti route of the Weekend Bike & Gourmet Tour, which passes through Ladići. This recreational cycling event is geared towards spring and autumn; specific dates and route sections may vary with each edition. The tour concept includes gastronomic specialities from the Istrian hinterland, although participating stops may change. Check the dates for the relevant edition if you would like to plan your trip around it.

In the wider destination of Općina Kanfanar

Općina Kanfanar lies in the heart of the Istrian peninsula, where Green and Blue Istria meet. The wider region offers everything from medieval Dvigrad and historic churches to fertile fields, wooded slopes and Mediterranean vegetation. Draga, Romuald's Cave and the protected Limski kanal are also part of this landscape and experience; climbing and Kašteljir are other regional activities.

Cyclists in Općina Kanfanar can also take the Captain Morgan and the Ghost Town route. It starts and ends in Kanfanar, passing through the Limska Draga valley and Dvigrad. At 23.8 kilometres and of medium difficulty, its length and rating are specified; check the current route before setting off.

The churches also offer a point of comparison within Općina Kanfanar: the parish church of St. Sylvester in the village of Kanfanar was built in 1696 and contains a stone pulpit from Dvigrad dating to the 13th century. By contrast, St. Sixtus in Ladići dates from the 12th century. The two churches therefore point to different periods in the region’s sacred history.

Jakovlja is a traditional festival in Kanfanar, held on the last weekend of July. Visitors can watch the public weighing of Istrian oxen and traditional ploughing with oxen. Check the annual programme if the festival is important to your stay. Kanfanar railway station is in the village of Kanfanar within Općina Kanfanar; check current timetables and service for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Putini, Červari, Dubravci, Mrgani, Bubani, Sosici, Barat, Burići

Back to the wider travel overview: Općina Kanfanar.