Historical & Political Heritage Tours in Istria – Discover the Layers of Power

Istria’s history is a fascinating mosaic of empires, republics, and states — from ancient Rome to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, from Venetian rule to Italian administration, Yugoslavia, and modern-day Croatia. Exploring this layered political history offers deep insight into the region’s identity, language, architecture, and culture.

Guided heritage tours across Istria reveal how political shifts have shaped its towns and people. Key locations include:

• Pula – Visit the famous Roman amphitheater (Arena), Austro-Hungarian naval buildings, and WWII-era tunnels used as anti-air shelters (Zerostrasse).

• Rovinj & Poreč – Discover Venetian Gothic buildings, city walls, and bilingual street signs that reflect the Italian-Croatian coexistence.

• Motovun – Learn about its time under Venetian control and its transformation during Yugoslavia’s socialist period.

• Pazin – The political heart of central Istria and home to the Castle of Pazin, once the seat of the Habsburg imperial governor.

Some tours also include discussions on Istria’s status during and after WWII, the Istrian exodus, and current regional autonomy and identity debates.