Kruncici: Wine, History and Cycling Routes

Krunčići offers several specific starting points for planning a stay: a wine tasting with a set format, traditional stone architecture, archaeological evidence and cycling routes with different difficulty ratings. In the wider destination of Općina Sveti Lovreč, heritage sites in Sveti Lovreč and a circular hiking trail complete the picture.

Wine tasting and the history of winemaking

Vina Matošević operates a wine cellar with a tasting room at Krunčići 2. The 1.5-hour portfolio tasting includes a tour of the winery, an introduction to winemaking, a tasting of the current wine range and Istrian-inspired finger food. The experience combines insights into production with a tasting and food pairing. Check availability in advance if you plan to take part.

The winery’s history in Krunčići dates back to the mid-1990s, when Matošević started there as a garage winery. A later milestone was the 1998 vintage of Chardonnay Anima barrique: it won the Studec Award for Croatia’s best white wine at the time. The time frame matters—it was an award for this wine at that time, not a current ranking.

Archaeology and landscape

Nearby is Romualdova špilja. It is protected as a karst feature and as the habitat of a colony of large bats. Prehistoric human artefacts and the remains of extinct animals have been found in the cave. This information brings together natural and cultural history at a specific location, without conflating the cave with the sights in the town centre.

Krug lies north of Krunčići. Bronze and Iron Age pottery fragments point to a hillfort settlement there. Complete urns containing cremated remains, found below Krug east of the road, are considered characteristic of the Iron Age. These different finds offer a glimpse into the area’s archaeological traces.

Limska gradina, a prehistoric archaeological site, lies between Krunčići and Jural. It is located on the northern edge of a plateau at 158 metres above sea level and overlooks the end of the Limski kanal. As a fortified hillfort, it made use of its position: cliffs protected the southern and western sides, while dry-stone walls secured the approaches from the north and east. This makes it easy to distinguish between natural and built defences.

Stone architecture and cycling routes

Traditional buildings in Krunčići are made of stone, with or without a baladura, and feature stone cornices and simple openings. Plain cisterns topped with stone are often found alongside these buildings. Anyone interested in architectural styles will find specific features here rather than just a general description of historic architecture.

The official Istria Bike Trail reaches the pond in Krunčići after 2.8 kilometres. The full route is 29.6 kilometres long, with 375 metres of elevation gain. It is rated easy and is suitable for mountain bikes, e-bikes and trekking bikes. The Staza kapetana Morgana has a different rating: this difficult circular route runs from Rovinjsko Selo through Sošići, Krunčići, Mrgani and Kanfanar to Okreti. It is 25.2 kilometres long, with 264 metres of elevation gain. One section between Juralski brig and Krunčići is 1.7 kilometres long.

The comparison shows that difficulty ratings cannot simply be inferred from total distance or elevation gain: the Istria Bike route, described as easy, is longer and has more elevation gain than the difficult Staza kapetana Morgana. When comparing routes, consider both their ratings and which type of bike suits you, in addition to the figures. A nature trail along the Limski kanal is also available nearby for hiking or cycling. As availability may change, it is best to check in advance.

Cultural heritage in the wider destination of Općina Sveti Lovreč

The Church of St Martin in Sveti Lovreč houses the oldest organ in Istria. Petar Nakić, also known as Pietro Nacchini, built it in 1735; it was restored in 2013. The church also contains one of Istria’s oldest surviving fresco ensembles, including recently restored frescoes in the north and south apses. This is distinct from the Church of St Lawrence near Sveti Lovreč: it dates from the eighth century, and its Romanesque bell tower was added in the eleventh century.

The history of fortification is also evident in Sveti Lovreč. The town walls were extended and strengthened in the 14th century, when the town was the seat of the captains. The fortified ensemble includes the Funtanela Tower, a nearby triangular tower and a bell tower that formerly served as a defensive tower. The town’s circular shape dates back to a prehistoric hillfort on the rise.

The Put vode circular hiking trail, also known as Istra Trails No. 720, is 11.2 kilometres long and runs through the area of the Municipality of Sveti Lovreč. It connects several water sources. The trail starts at the restored town spring in the centre of Sveti Lovreč, near Velika vrata, and ends at the same spring. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check them before setting out. This keeps the hiking trail clearly distinct from the cycling routes and sights in and around Krunčići, as an offering in the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Radići, Marasi, Medaki, Heraki, Vošteni, Perini, Stranići Kod Lovreča, Selina

Go to the wider travel overview: Općina Sveti Lovreč.