Discover Novaki Pazinski

Those interested in traces of historic settlements, sacred art and the landscape will find several points of interest in Novaki Pazinski. The place was first mentioned in 1341 as an estate of the Patriarch of Aquileia. Stari Novaki, the Chapel of St. Roch and nearby ponds add to its appeal. Nearby, Bare Cerovlje offers a different focus, with walks and picnics by the water.

Historic traces in Stari Novaki

The fortified settlement of Stari Novaki stood on a hill above present-day Novaki Pazinski. It was destroyed in the wars of the 16th and 17th centuries. Remains of a chapel are located at the site, and the hill offers views of the surrounding area. Here, the history of the former fortification, another architectural landmark and views of the landscape come together.

The Chapel of St. Roch and its painting

The Chapel of St. Roch stands beside the road between Cerovlje and Pazin and dates from the 15th century. The altarpiece in the chapel was painted by Maria Creglia. The construction date and the artist attribution offer two different ways to understand the chapel: one places the building in its historical period, while the other names the painter of a specific work of art. Together, they bring sacred architecture and painting into focus.

Ponds and time by the water

The ponds near Pazinski Novaki are managed by ŠRD Pazinčica from Pazin and are described as among the most fish-rich bodies of water in central Istria. Nearby, Bare Cerovlje offers a setting for walks and picnics by the water, among greenery along the shore and poplars. These two natural attractions offer different experiences: the ponds are notable for their waters and management, while Bare Cerovlje is a place to walk and spend time by the water.

Cultural highlights in the Municipality of Cerovlje

The wider destination of the Municipality of Cerovlje also has its own examples of architectural and art history. In Draguć, the former settlement was rebuilt to a precise plan after it was destroyed by fire during the Uskok War of 1615 to 1618. The Church of St. Elijah there is a Romanesque building from the late 12th century, made of two-coloured stone blocks. Draguć also hosts the annual gathering of bajs players, “Z bajson u Draguć,” on the third Sunday in June; check the date for the specific year of your trip.

In Gologorica, the Romanesque Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary has Gothic frescoes painted around 1400 by an unknown artist. Vela vrata was once the town’s main gate; the De Franceschi house was built there in 1711. In Gradinje, the Church of All Saints, built in 1604, contains frescoes and Glagolitic graffiti beneath layers of plaster. These regional examples complement the local highlights with Romanesque architecture, wall paintings, historic gates and hidden works of art.

Discover more destinations: Draguć, Paz, Borut, Gologorica, Korelići, Grimalda, Cerovlje, Previž

Return to the main travel overview: Municipality of Cerovlje.