Bokordici – Architecture and History

Architecture and Remembrance in Bokordici

Bokordici is home to a partially restored residential and agricultural complex. It is enclosed by a stone boundary wall, and the complex includes a monumental portal. Several traditionally constructed buildings have also been preserved and are intended to retain their existing forms. Their physical condition may change over time.

Bokordici is also part of a South Istrian memorial route connecting Pula, Gajana, Šajini and Bokordici. It commemorates the mass civilian casualties of 1943 to 1945. Official memorial events are held at the locations along the route, which has potential for memorial tourism. Bokordici thus focuses both on the history of a residential and agricultural complex and on commemorating civilian casualties.

Road Connections

Local roads connect Bokordici with Pustijanci, Kersani and Bibići. Another road connection runs via Foli and Rajki towards the municipal boundary of Barban. Road classifications and conditions may change; check the current route before travelling.

Culture in the Wider Destination of Općina Svetvinčenat

In the wider destination of Općina Svetvinčenat, Svetvinčenat’s square offers a distinctive architectural point of interest: locally known as Placa, it has largely preserved its Renaissance appearance. Morosini-Grimani Castle is also part of this cultural context. It is considered one of the best-preserved examples of Venetian architecture in Istria and beyond. Nine different multimedia experiences convey its history, and an interactive journey through time explores Svetvinčenat’s past.

The churches add different historical periods to the overview. The Church of St Vincent dates from the 12th century. The Church of St Catherine was built in the 14th century and is decorated with frescoes from the early 15th century.

Landscape and Activities in Općina Svetvinčenat

The municipality of Svetvinčenat features numerous karst formations, including caves, sinkholes, ponds and rocky areas. The terrain rises gently, forming a gently undulating landscape with Mediterranean vegetation and cultivated land. These areas are bordered by dry-stone walls or vegetation.

Svetvinčenat Outdoor offers circular routes around the town for walking, running and cycling. The routes are marked and lead back to their starting point. Three routes in Svetvinčenat are classified as easy for cyclists: Route 671 Putevima kaštela is 11.8 kilometres long, Route 690 Renesansa na dva kotača is 29.6 kilometres, and Route 683 Stazom Grimani is 34 kilometres. They therefore differ mainly in their stated distances.

Cultural Offerings and Events

In the wider destination of Općina Svetvinčenat, the Kuća vještice Mare visitor centre presents tangible and intangible cultural heritage using 3D mapping, virtual reality and augmented reality. The experiences described include virtual archery and a search using augmented reality glasses for the lost equipment of an unknown knight. Escape Castle Svetvinčenat offers teams of two to five people challenges involving codes, ciphers, hidden objects and clues. The experience includes Morosini-Grimani Castle, with its three towers, dungeon, armoury and throne.

Every year, the Medieval Festival transforms Svetvinčenat into a medieval town; dates vary from year to year. The recurring sira and Naj Koza festival brings together homemade cheese producers, goat breeders and enthusiasts of Istrian flavours. It offers tastings of local cheeses and traditional products; seasonal details may change. The Mediteranski plesni centar is located in the former community hall. Throughout the year, it hosts activities focused on contemporary performing practices, experimentation and interdisciplinary work. The centre is open as a place for work, exchange and meeting for artists and the surrounding community; individual programmes vary.

Discover more destinations: Boškari, Režanci, Svetvinčenat, Jursici, Cukrići, Peresiji, Čabrunići, Butkovići.

Back to the wider travel overview: Općina Svetvinčenat.