In the heart of central Istria, in the small town of Pićan Accommodation in Pićan, a new "bench with a story" has been placed – a *škanj sa štorijon* that revives the centuries-old legend of St. Nicefor and the *trnoplesari* in a modern, interactive, and visually playful way. The project is implemented by the Tourist Board of Central Istria, with a clear ambition to transform the authentic traditions, language, and customs of this region into an on-site experience: to sit, rest, read, and recognize the place through the story that has given it meaning and identity for centuries.

A new point on the map of "talking benches" in central Istria

The *škanj sa štorijon* in Pićan Accommodation in Pićan is the third "talking" bench of this type in central Istria, after the first two were placed in Tinjan and Gračišće. In Tinjan, visitors get to know the mythical story of Jure Grando from Kringa, while in Gračišće the bench's theme is the legend of infertile women near the church of St. Mary on the Square and folk customs related to the Assumption of Mary. The Pićan bench "tells" the most famous local story – that of St. Nicefor and the origin of the term "trnoplesari" – and thereby connects three municipalities into a harmonious narrative arc of central Istria.

What is a "škanj sa štorijon" and why does it attract attention

The name of the project is deliberately written in the local idiom: *škanj* is a bench, and *štorija* is a story. The benches are designed as small, functional interpretive points in the space – aesthetically recognizable and accessible – because they are shaped like an open book. Such a form invites reading and taking photos, but above all, it encourages immersion in the narrative that takes place at that location. The typography is legible, the texts are concise and rhythmic, and the graphic motifs subtly refer to the key elements of the legend: the path, the spring, the temptation, and repentance. In Pićan Accommodation in Pićan, this means an encounter with several striking images that generations have recognized as part of their own landscape and memory.

The legendary Nicefor: two traditions, one patron

For centuries, Pićan Accommodation in Pićan has been proud of its patron, St. Nicefor. Oral tradition and written records distinguish two figures of the same name: a martyr from the early Christian era and a bishop who, according to a part of the tradition, resided in Pićan and performed miracles. It is precisely Bishop Nicefor who is at the center of the story about the *trnoplesari*: when the locals, seduced by slander, reported him to the church authorities, he decided to travel to defend his honor. On the way, the legend says, he opened a spring with a blow of his staff for his thirsty retinue, while he was accompanied on parts of the journey by a humble donkey and – in some versions – even an obedient wolf who "took over" the burden after the donkey disappeared. The story is full of symbolism: water as a sign of grace, the journey as a test of faith, and slander as a trial for the community.

How the name "trnoplesari" came about

In the conclusion of the legend, the saint, who had endured injustice and temptation, addresses the slanderers: "that they dance barefoot on thorns," until they repent. According to oral explanation, the nickname for the people of Pićan – *trnoplesari* – arose from this curse. It is not an insult but a cultural symbol that reminds the community that it recognizes the harm of slander, but also the power of repentance. Such nicknames are common in Istria; behind a short word lie layers of history, faith, humor, and a lesson. The Pićan bench with a story holds all this together: language, memory, and place.

The Pićan diocese, bell tower, and heritage that shapes identity

The legend of St. Nicefor is anchored in the real historical framework of Pićan. The town was the seat of the Pićan diocese for centuries, and today's sacred ensemble – the parish church of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the former cathedral, and the slender white bell tower – forms a recognizable panorama. The bell tower, about 48 meters high, is one of the tallest in Istria, and its vertical still dominates the hilly landscape today. Valuable objects are kept in the parish premises, from liturgical vessels to textile treasures, which testify to the long continuity of church and artistic tradition. The legacy of the diocese is not just church history – it influences the image of the place, the way the people of Pićan talk about themselves, and how travelers perceive them.

Creative realization: how a legend became a contemporary interpretation

The aesthetic and performance solution for the benches in the "Škanj sa štorijon" project is signed by the Rovinj-based Studio Tumpić/Prenc, a multiple award-winner for original visual identities and campaigns. In Pićan, their idea was translated into durable materials, clear typography, and measured graphic details, with an emphasis on outdoor readability and a lasting impression. The concept encourages staying at the location: the bench is both a place to rest and a "platform" for getting to know the story, so visitors don't just stay for a few seconds, but naturally read and observe the space around them. The design is integrated into the environment, without being imposing, respecting the scale of the old town core and the rhythm of everyday life.

Language, identity, and tourism: why it's important to preserve *štorije*

*Štorije* are not decoration but the core of identity. Through them, names, nicknames, sayings, and also the moral frameworks of the community are transmitted: what is just, what is shameful, how justification is earned. In central Istria, "talking benches" turn these layers into a readable experience: the visitor doesn't just get data, but enters a narrative that guides them through the place. In Pićan Accommodation in Pićan, this means an encounter with St. Nicefor and the *trnoplesari*, in Tinjan Accommodation in Tinjan it is an encounter with the Kringa myth, and in Gračišće Accommodation in Gračišće with the legend of women's vows and hope.

Support for growth: investment from the Fund for Tourism Underdeveloped Areas

The development of the "talking benches" network has been strengthened by the support of the Croatian National Tourist Board through the Fund for Tourism Underdeveloped Areas and the Continent. The dedicated funds enabled the creation and installation of the first benches, as well as a broader interpretive framework that includes text preparation, design adaptation to individual locations, and communication activities. Such funding encourages destinations in the continental and less touristy areas to develop recognizable and long-lasting content – content that nurtures identity and at the same time raises the visibility of central Istria on the tourist map.

From Tinjan to Gračišće, and then to Pićan: how "talking benches" connect destinations

The first bench in Tinjan Accommodation in Tinjan is located next to the *Županski stol* and is thematically based on the Kringa legend of Jure Grando – a story that has long crossed local borders. In Gračišće Accommodation in Gračišće, the bench is placed at the beginning of the St. Simon Trail and deals with the legend of infertile women and the Assumption of Mary, recalling the power of vows and piety in Istrian tradition. The Pićan bench closes the narrative triangle and "takes the floor" about St. Nicefor and the nickname *trnoplesari*, giving the visit continuity and meaning: you naturally transition from one story to another, and the space between them is filled with the smells, sights, and sounds of central Istria.

Traces of the legend in the landscape: springs, paths, portals

Around Pićan and in neighboring places, the motifs from the legend are tangible. Educational boards on the interpretive trails remind of the Spring of St. Nicefor on the St. Roch trail, to which – according to legend – a blow of his staff "gave" its abundance. Viewpoints open up to the valleys through which the path to Aquileia or Rome passed, and stone portals and *kalete* in the old town core tell of the continuity of life in the shadow of the diocese. These micro-locations provide context: the legend is not read in isolation, but as a ring of meaning that envelops the space where traces of the past, both sacred and secular, are found.

Was Nicefor a martyr or a bishop? Two traditions, one memory

In literature and tradition, two stories about Nicefor persistently intertwine. One connects him with the early Christian era and Emperor Constantine the Great, the other places him in the 6th century and sees him as the bishop of Pićan. The duality does not diminish the value, but rather explains the richness of the polyphony of motifs. Hence the diversity: a spring that arises from a blow of a staff, a journey to Aquileia, a curse on slanderers, and even a beast that, after doing harm, becomes obedient and carries the saint. The bench in Pićan reduces this broader context to the most important scenes and interprets them clearly and unobtrusively.

Tourist interpretation that respects the sanctity of the place

Introducing legends into the tourist offer is sensitive: it's easy to turn it into a trivial or purely "selfie" experience. Here, the approach is measured. The texts are short but precise; the graphics are polished but do not overpower the content; the location of the bench is chosen so as not to disrupt the daily life of the place, and yet to be an invitation for a short walk. Such a design does not "sell" sanctity, but interprets it – which is especially important in Pićan Accommodation in Pićan, the former seat of the diocese with a long continuity of liturgical and cultural practice.

Istria as a living stage: programs, walks, experiences

In recent years, central Istria has been systematically transforming its heritage into programs: from interpretive tours and costumed walks to theatrical episodes that perform the motifs of the Nicefor story or life in the old town cores. Itineraries are created that last all year round, not just during the summer season. The *škanj sa štorijon* logically fits in – it networks three municipalities, encourages schools and associations to tell stories, and opens up space for hosts who offer accommodation near the legendary locations: Accommodation in Pićan, Accommodation in Gračišće, Accommodation in Tinjan.

Practical guidelines for visiting Pićan and its surroundings

Pićan Accommodation in Pićan is most often reached from the direction of Pazin, on a road that climbs to the hill on which the old town core lies. Parking lots are on the edge of the core; from there, it's a short and easy walk to the parish church, bell tower, and viewpoints. For a visit to the bench with a story, comfortable shoes, a bottle of water on warm days, and a little patience are recommended to read the story in its entirety. Other thematic points are nearby: the St. Roch Trail with stations dedicated to local legends, educational boards about springs and customs, and stone portals that "remember" centuries.

Double value: an experience for visitors, pride for the community

For the local community, the new bench is not just an element of urban equipment, but a confirmation that heritage is important and that it is being thoughtfully invested in. For visitors, it is a signal that they are in a place where stories are preserved and passed on in a way that is appropriate for the time we live in. This creates a circle of benefits: it strengthens identity and a sense of belonging, while at the same time encouraging the development of year-round experiential tourism in the interior of Istria. Small, carefully selected interventions – such as "talking benches" – are often more effective than large-scale interventions, because they arise from a local story and are therefore easy to remember.

Accommodation and useful links for planning your stay

For all those planning an overnight stay in central Istria or wanting to extend their stay, accommodation options are available related to the locations in the text: Accommodation in Pićan, Accommodation in Gračišće, and Accommodation in Tinjan. The links lead to a central place where hosts' offers are collected, with notes on the distance from the "talking benches" and nearby amenities.

Preserving heritage through design and story

The "Škanj sa štorijon" in Pićan Accommodation in Pićan shows how an oral tradition can be transformed into clear and accessible content on the ground, without losing depth and symbolism. When a simple form (a bench) is connected with thoughtful storytelling and a visual language that respects the space, an interpretive point is created that is easily remembered. Multiplied in several places, such an approach builds recognition for the entire area: the landscape is read, tradition is passed on, and the local identity remains visible and audible.

Help with planning your stay: Accommodation in Pićan | Accommodation in Gračišće | Accommodation in Tinjan