In the heart of the tourist season, as the summer sun bathes the Adriatic Sea, a unique opportunity is offered to all visitors and lovers of Istria to experience the essence of one of the most photogenic towns in the Mediterranean. On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, the Tourist Board of the town of Rovinj-Rovigno is organizing a special treat called "Feel the breeze of Rovinj". It is a free guided tour of the town that promises not just a walk, but a journey through time, culture, and flavors that define this Istrian pearl. All interested parties are invited to join this two-and-a-half-hour adventure, which starts at 10:00 AM in front of the Tourist Board office at Trg na mostu 2. This is an extraordinary opportunity to get to know the authentic Rovinj, led by expert local guides who will reveal the secrets hidden behind the stone facades.

The start of the journey: From the Square on the bridge to the heart of the old town core

The very starting point of the tour, the Square on the bridge, is a symbolic entrance to the historical part of the town. Once, there was indeed a bridge on this site that connected the island, where the old town developed, with the mainland. Today, it is a lively meeting place, surrounded by charming buildings and a pulsating energy. Immediately after gathering, the group will set off to explore the labyrinth of narrow, stone-paved streets that form the soul of the old town. First on the route is Garibaldi Street, which, like many others, testifies to the rich history and Italian influence that shaped the visual identity of the town. The walk continues to Zdenac Street, where a special experience awaits the participants – a visit to a family shoemaker's workshop. This encounter with a traditional craft provides a rare insight into the skills passed down from generation to generation, preserving the spirit of some bygone, slower times. It is a reminder that accommodation in Rovinj is not just a stay, but an immersion into a living heritage.

Ascent towards the celestial patroness and panoramic views

The journey continues with an ascent through Bregovita Street, whose very name suggests the path to the top of the peninsula. Every step uphill is rewarded with increasingly spectacular scenes. The viewpoints along the way offer unforgettable views of the red roofs, densely packed houses, and the sparkling sea that surrounds the town. The culmination of this ascent is the arrival at the monumental church of St. Euphemia, the patron saint of the town, which dominates the Rovinj skyline. This Baroque beauty, built in the 18th century, is the largest such building in Istria. The guides will tell the fascinating legend of the young Christian martyr Euphemia and the miraculous arrival of her sarcophagus on the Rovinj coast. The interior of the church hides numerous works of art and an impressive altar, and visitors will have the opportunity to see the sarcophagus and feel the spiritual power of this sacred place. Next to the church rises a 60-meter-high bell tower, a replica of the one in St. Mark's Square in Venice, from whose top offers the most beautiful panoramic view of the town, the nearby islands, and the endless blue.

Art, music, and the traditional sounds of Rovinj

Descending from the top, the tour takes participants through Grisia Street, the most famous art street in Rovinj. This street, which turns into an open-air gallery in the summer, pulsates with creative energy. Numerous galleries and studios testify to Rovinj's long tradition as a city of artists. The walk continues through Porečka and Garzotto Street, all the way to the Great Square, the former center of public life. The path then leads to the Gate under the wall, one of the preserved entrances to the old town, and to the picturesque town harbor filled with fishing boats and traditional batanas. On Marshal Tito Square, the main town square, the town clock with its Renaissance features attracts attention. A special musical surprise awaits the participants in the old town's Casale Street. There, local musicians will perform old traditional Rovinj songs – bitinade and arie da nuoto. The bitinada, as an autochthonous form of polyphonic singing without instrumental accompaniment, imitates the sounds of fishing tools and tells stories of the sea and the life of fishermen, providing an authentic sound experience that can rarely be heard elsewhere.

Flavors of the sea and a treasury of sacral heritage

After the cultural and historical immersion, a gastronomic break follows. In a local version of a tavern, known as Spàcio Matika, participants will have the opportunity to taste simple but authentic fish dishes, such as salted sardines. This small bite perfectly captures the connection that Rovinj offers its guests with the sea and fishing tradition. The tour does not stop here. One of the key elements of this tour is a visit to the "House of Batana" Ecomuseum. This award-winning museum is dedicated to the preservation of the batana, a traditional Rovinj flat-bottomed wooden boat, which is included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. The museum interactively tells the story of the unbreakable bond between the city, its inhabitants, and the sea. For the end of this rich tour, a visit to another sacral gem is planned – the church of St. Francis of Assisi. This Baroque church and its adjoining monastery preserve an exceptionally valuable collection of liturgical objects, paintings, and sculptures, providing insight into the rich religious and artistic history of the city.

Practical information for participation

This comprehensive free guided tour "Feel the breeze of Rovinj" will take place on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, starting at 10:00 AM and lasting until approximately 12:30 PM. The meeting point with the guide is in front of the Tourist Board office at Trg na mostu 2. To ensure the quality of the experience for all participants, the tour is available in four languages: Croatian, Italian, English, and German. When registering, it is extremely important to specify the desired language for the tour. Due to a limited number of places, registration is mandatory. All interested parties should register via e-mail at info@rovinj-tourism.hr. Registrations are accepted no later than one hour before the start of the tour, i.e., by 9:00 AM on the day of the event. Do not miss this unique opportunity to dive into the magic offered by Rovinj, a city that rightly bears the title of one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic, in the best possible way, with expert guidance and at no cost. The official website of the organizer can be found at www.rovinj-tourism.hr.