Bačva: Two Historic Churches and the Dolina Divova Cycling Route

Bačva brings together two distinct travel interests: historic churches in the village and a challenging road cycling route that passes through Bačva. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Bačva, these themes offer concrete pointers for choosing the destination: the churches represent different periods in the village’s history, while the route is relevant to cyclists interested in a long loop.

Historic Churches in Bačva

The Romanesque Church of St. James stands at the entrance to Bačva. Its frescoes date from the 16th century. They depict a Christological cycle, the Annunciation, and God the Father. The key is kept in the first house next to the church. As access arrangements may change, check locally about access.

The second documented historic church in Bačva is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and dates from the 14th or 15th century. It is about 100 meters from the Church of St. James. The two buildings are therefore close to each other, but differ significantly in their dates and dedications. Together, they provide a time frame for the village’s history, from the Romanesque building to a later medieval church.

Bačva on the Dolina Divova Cycling Route

Bačva lies on the official road cycling route 158, Dolina Divova. The challenging loop is 93 kilometers long and runs from Poreč through Istrian towns such as Višnjan, Motovun, Oprtalj, Grožnjan, and Vižinada. The route offers a different travel interest from the local churches: it appeals to cyclists planning a long ride. Road conditions and signage may change; check the current situation before setting out.

More Things to See in the Wider Destination of Općina Višnjan

In the wider destination of Općina Višnjan, the Višnjan Observatory adds a scientific focus. It is a public observatory, registered in 1992. Its scientific focus is on small bodies in the solar system and their interactions with Earth. Group visits are available year-round by prior arrangement. The group program includes an introductory lecture on a scientific or astronomical topic and a tour of the observatory, including the telescope dome and the Stone Circle. In suitable weather conditions, it also includes an outdoor telescope observation. When planning, both the need to book for groups and the weather-dependent nature of the observation are important.

The trails in the wider destination of Općina Višnjan also vary in their routes and character. The marked Owl Trail is 7.7 kilometers long, is suitable for family hikes, and starts in a small pine grove near the Višnjan cemetery. It leads to the purpose-built Vena viewpoint, from where you can see olive groves, vineyards, and the sea. The Venetian Lion Trail runs through historic Višnjan: from Antun Korlević Square, it passes under the arch with the Venetian lion to the old village of Barat and back. The trail is listed as 4.5 kilometers long and takes about 2.5 hours.

The Star Trail starts and ends in front of the Višnjan Town Hall and leads to Tičan. There, visitors can see the new observatory building with its telescope dome and the Stone Circle installation. The route is described as easy and undemanding, and is suitable for families and recreational cyclists. Thus, in addition to longer hiking trails, the wider destination also offers a route explicitly described as easy, with a cultural point of interest.

Historic architecture is also part of the wider destination of Općina Višnjan. The old part of Višnjan sits on a hill and is characterized by closely spaced stone houses and narrow lanes; a Baroque loggia stands in the main square. In Cerion, the small Church of St. Matthew was built in 1588. Its façade, including the bell gable and two bells, was renovated in 1935. The Church of St. Anthony the Abbot is known for its 14th-century frescoes and graffiti, including Glagolitic inscriptions.

In the wider destination of Općina Višnjan, the Radovan family winery in Radovani welcomes visitors to a renovated winery.

Discover more destinations: Štuti, Sinožići, Gambetići, Cvitani, Ženodraga, Majkusi, Radovani, Pršurići.

Back to the wider travel overview: Općina Višnjan.