Draguć: The Istrian Village Frozen in Film and Time

Tucked between green hills and stone terraces, Draguć is a village where time seems to pause—and the cameras start to roll. Its untouched charm, cinematic streets, and sweeping views have made it a favorite for filmmakers and travelers alike.

In central Istria, far from the busy coastlines, lies Draguć: a small hilltop village with only a handful of streets, but a whole world of atmosphere. Walking through its narrow lanes feels like stepping into a movie set—because in many ways, it is.

A Natural Film Set

Often referred to as the “Istrian Hollywood”, Draguć has been the filming location for numerous Croatian and international productions. Its preserved medieval character and complete lack of modern distractions make it ideal for historical and period films.

Some of the notable productions shot here include:

• “La Femme Musketeer” (2004) – A French-American TV film starring Gérard Depardieu and Michael York, which used Draguć as a stand-in for 17th-century Europe.

• “Il Cuore nel Pozzo” (2005) – An Italian war drama about post-WWII Istria, where Draguć provided an authentic backdrop for emotionally charged scenes.

• “Četverored” (1999) – A Croatian war film that filmed key sequences among Draguć’s timeless facades.

Thanks to its natural cinematic quality, the village has become a go-to location for directors looking to capture old-world Istria without the need for elaborate sets.