Discover Balići Ii

For your trip planning in Balići Ii, cycling and regional culture are two possible areas of focus: official routes 283 and 651 pass through Balići, and Kristova kruna is a traditional Žminj almond cake. Historic buildings, landscapes and events round out the regional setting within the wider destination of Općina Žminj.

Cycling on two official routes

Route 283, “In the Heart of Green Istria,” passes through Balići. It is 37 kilometres long and is classified as an official trail with an easy difficulty level. The official route 651 Žminj–Feštini is considered moderately difficult. It passes through Balići and across the Balići field on paved roads and forest paths. The two routes thus differ both in their difficulty ratings and in their descriptions of the route.

Kristova kruna and the Žminj culinary tradition

Kristova kruna is a traditional almond cake from Žminj. It was traditionally made for baptisms, first communions, confirmations and weddings. Its association with these celebrations makes the cake an example of how culinary tradition and special occasions go hand in hand. The IZO Balići bakery and confectionery also takes part in making Kristova kruna.

Culture in the wider destination of Općina Žminj

Žminj is considered a historic crossroads in the centre of Istria. Žminj Castle was probably built in the 15th century with a square floor plan. Beside the castle stands the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, decorated in 1471 with artworks by an unknown artist. Today, only a smaller part of the citadel is visible: this includes one of the four round towers, a wing of the fortress, an outer section of the fortifications and a well-preserved public water cistern dating from 1863.

Another structure in the western part of Žminj is the Calvary, near the road between Pazin and Pula. It was built of stone in 1728 and consists of three crosses enclosed by a wall and secured by an iron gate. The castle complex, chapel and Calvary offer different historical highlights within Općina Žminj. The municipality’s landscape is also shaped by karst terrain, rolling topography and distinctive soils.

Routes, tours and exhibitions

Route 761 starts beside the Žminj tower, passes through the square in front of the parish church of St Michael and crosses the old town along the old stone street “Štradi”. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out.

Various exhibitions are held in the Žminj tower, including displays of handmade nativity scenes, a small tower market and exhibitions about Bartulja. Check current visiting arrangements before your visit. Another way to learn about history and everyday culture is the one-hour guided tour “Žminjska štuorija”. It presents the history and customs of Žminj’s residents, their language, and sacred and secular architectural heritage. The tour is seasonal, so check the dates before your trip. It also includes a tasting of specialities from local producers and a demonstration of how typical pasta varieties such as Makaruni and Fuži are made.

Events in Žminj

Bartulja is a folk festival in Žminj with a tradition dating back at least a hundred years, held on the last Saturday in August. Bartulja includes a mass at the Church of St Bartholomew at the entrance to Žminj. If you want to plan your trip around a particular festival date, check the latest announcement, as future dates may vary.

The Istrian Pasta Festival in Žminj aims to preserve and foster the local tradition of Istrian pasta, promote native pasta varieties and support their producers. The two events have different focuses: Bartulja is a long-standing folk festival, while the pasta festival is dedicated to regional pasta and its producers.

Discover more destinations: Juricev Kal, Rebići, Manjadvorci, Petehi, Grandići, Vadreš, Hrboki, Prhati.

Back to the wider travel overview: Općina Barban.