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Gračišće

Although the area was settled even before the golden age of the Roman Empire, the present-day name of Gračišće is of Slavic origin dating from the 6th and 7th cc. at the time of the settling of the Slavs. Its spiritual heritage can be discerned in the name of Perunčevac Hill, named after Perun, the highest Slavic god, but also in the thousand-year-old worshipping of Svantovid, the origin, some people believe, of the Christian St. Vitus, patron saint of the Parish of Gračišće.
The town was once surrounded by walls, of which only the tower from the 15th c. on the eastern side remains. At that time already noble yeomen of Croatian family names lived in Gračišće.
A large number of houses have carved dates from the 15th c. For centuries Gračišće was a favorite summer residence of the Pićan bishops which is witnessed by the Bishop's Palace.

The "municipal government" (commune) headed by the prefect, judges and old men-counselors originates from that time. This town surrounded by luxuriant greenery and rich architectural heritage, standing on a cliff overlooking Čepić field, offers a breathtaking view of the nearby hills, Mount Učka, the Julian Alps and the Dolomites. At this very site, between Gračišće and Pićan, stretches the protected landscape covering an area of 570 hectares, with unusual geological features. The variety of terrain, marl and limestone, has created an extraordinary relief, brook valleys in marly soil and tough limestone forming hills and knolls that dominate this heavenly landscape. An interesting sight is also Bregi Cave as the longest Istrian speleological site. Its length is 2,045 meters and it is not open for visitors yet.

The specific architecture adds to the charm of Gračišće.
The town has several churches: St. Mary's Church from the 15th c. with frescoes and Romanesque crucifix from the beginning of the 13th c., Church of St. Anthony of Padua from the 14th c., former bishop's chapel and Church of St. Pancracius from the 15th c. The Parish Church of SS. Vitus, Modestus and Crescentius from the 17th c. keeps the statue of St. Vitus with a model of the town from the 15th c. The belfry, 30 meters high, dates from the 13th c. The Salamon Palace from the 16th c. is a fine example of Venetian Gothic. Nearby is the Trail of St. Simeon, 11 kilometers long, with the small Church of SS. Stephen and Mary Magdalene from the 15th c.

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