Polje in the Municipality of Raša: Chapel and Regional Heritage

Polje is located in the Municipality of Raša; the Chapel of St. John (Kapela Sv. Ivana) is a specifically named cultural landmark in the village. The mining history of the wider destination can be seen in Raša, while other churches, trails, and maritime destinations are each located in their own places. This distinction makes trip planning easier: you can consider Polje as a place of interest and also decide whether you are interested in mining history, architecture, hiking, or diving in the wider destination.

Cultural Landmark in Polje

The Chapel of St. John (Kapela Sv. Ivana) stands in Polje. It bears the designation ZPP 2. This clearly identifies both the name of this local cultural landmark and its association with Polje. If you want to focus your stay on a specific landmark in the village, the chapel offers a point of reference; the following stories and activities relate to other places in the Municipality of Raša.

Mining History and Townscape in Raša

In Raša, within the wider destination of the Municipality of Raša, urban planning and mining history are closely connected. The town was established in the 1930s in the valley of the Krapan stream to support mining and miners. Between 1936 and 1937, Raša was built as a planned mining town based on designs by architect Gustavo Pulitzer Finali. Workers’ houses line two parallel streets that converge at the central square with its church. The houses, streets, and square are thus all part of the same town plan described here.

The Raša mine employed more than 10,000 miners between 1928 and 1966. This period overlaps with the development of the planned town in the 1930s and provides a historical context for the mining town. The Church of St. Barbara (Sv. Barbara) in Raša also reflects this theme in its design: it is a modernist and rationalist building with a 25-meter-high tower. The shape of the church recalls an upside-down mining cart, while the bell tower resembles a mine lamp.

The Miners House “Arsia” museum on the main square in Raša gives visitors insight into the work and lives of miners. This adds the perspective of the people connected with mining in Raša to the history of the mine and the planned townscape. If you are planning a visit, check the latest opening hours and access information in advance.

Other Perspectives in the Municipality of Raša

Another way to explore the mining theme is to take a visitor tour of the mine offered by Kova Experience. Visitors enter a mine and experience a day in the life of a miner. Check the booking details before your trip if you would like to include this tour in your plans.

In Skitača, two other themes come together: the Church of St. Lucy (Sv. Lucija), built at the beginning of the 17th century, is a single-nave Baroque church. The Bella Vista hiking trail follows a white road through Gora Glušići to Skitača. From Skitača, the route offers views of Kvarner. This village therefore offers a choice between an architectural landmark and a described hiking route with a viewpoint, depending on your interests. Check local trail conditions before planning your hike.

For a maritime focus, three reefs lie below the pebble beach at Zidovi Sv. Marine. They descend directly from the beach into the open sea to a depth of 55 meters; the site offers numerous dives for divers of all categories. The description clearly distinguishes this dive site from the Bella Vista hiking trail: here, the focus is on reefs and diving, while the trail leads to Skitača and views of Kvarner. Local sea conditions remain relevant when diving. The Rt Crna Punta lighthouse is also one of the region’s landmarks; it is best reached by boat, although local conditions may affect landing.

Discover more destinations: Koromačno, Barbići, Most-Raša, Viskovici, Topid, Sveta Marina, Kunj, Brovinje

For the wider travel overview: Municipality of Raša.