Municipality of Raša: Mining History, Architecture and Trails

The Municipality of Raša brings together mining history, distinctive church architecture and trails overlooking Kvarner. Raša itself lies in a narrow valley of the Krapanski potok stream, a tributary of the Raša River, about two kilometres from the sea. Those exploring the municipality can choose between Raša’s townscape, a hike to Skitača and waterside experiences in Sveta Marina.

Raša as a Planned Mining Town

Raša was built between 1936 and 1937 as a planned mining town, based on designs by architect Gustavo Pulitzer Finali. The Raša mine employed more than 10,000 miners from 1928 to 1966. Together, these time spans tell of different periods in the local mining history: from the mine’s long operation to the planning and construction of the town in the 1930s.

A striking landmark is the Church of St Barbara. The building has a modernist and rationalist design and a 25-metre-high tower. Its forms also reflect the mining theme: the church’s shape recalls an overturned mining cart, while the bell tower resembles a mine lamp. The connection between the town’s history and its architecture can therefore be read directly from the building.

On the town square, Centar Arsia presents the town’s mining heritage in a small museum. Centar Arsia is accessible to people with disabilities and people with reduced mobility; confirm this information before your trip. Kova Experience offers visitor tours through the mine. During the tour, guests enter a mine and experience a day in the life of a miner. Check the tour booking details before your trip.

Hiking Trail and Church near Skitača

The Bella Vista hiking trail follows a white road through Gora Glušići to Skitača. At the destination, the route offers a view of Kvarner. If you are planning a tour, you can use it as a specific route and viewpoint to guide your outing. Check local trail conditions on site.

Skitača is also defined by the Church of St Lucy. Built in the early 17th century, it is a single-nave Baroque church. This gives visitors two different points of interest in Skitača: the hiking trail with its view of Kvarner and a historic church building.

Diving and Boat Access

At Zidovi Sv. Marine, three reefs lie below the pebble beach. They descend directly from the shore into the open sea, reaching a depth of 55 metres. The site offers numerous dives for divers of all categories. Local sea conditions remain important when planning.

The Rt Crna Punta lighthouse is best reached by boat. Local conditions can affect landing. This is a different focus for an outing from the trail to Skitača or the mining history in Raša: here, boat access and the conditions on site determine how to plan your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Skvaranska, Brovinje, Drenje, Viskovici, Kunj, Sveta Marina, Koromacno, Topid, Crni, Brgod, Polje, Trgetari, Raša, Trget, Sveti Bartul, Stanišovi, Most-Raša, Diminici, Barbići, Skitaca, Ravni.

For the broader travel overview: Istria County.