On a hill not far from the Motovun woods in northwestern Istria, above the Mirna river valley, 15 kilometers from the sea, lies the ancient town of Grožnjan. The city, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, is proud of its rich historical and cultural heritage, natural beauty of the area, all enriched by art.
From the high walls of Grožnjan there is a view all the way from Ćićarija to Motovun, to the mouth of the river Mirna and Istrian Novigrad. One of the most beautiful characteristics of the town is its untouched medieval core, with its charming narrow cobbled streets. The city now has about a hundred inhabitants, forty galleries, and the official use of the Croatian and Italian languages.
This is a small town but a great cultural significance, not only in Croatia but also internationally, and lives intensly through the summer months.
Since 1965. Grožnjan was declared a town of artists, thanks to the numerous art events and artists who come here to live and work. The artists have settled in the old stone houses which were given for safekeeping to prevent the extinction of the city.
Every year in early May the streets and squares of Grožnjan go through a metamorphosis and turn into a truly artistic beehive: it opens its summer music academy for young people, art, dance and drama workshops, peace activism workshops led by renowned experts and teachers and famous names from music, art and drama. In those few summer months Grožnjan lives and breathes art, the labyrinth of its streets and its many cultural and historical monuments becomes one big stage with cultural and artistic events which are constantly interchanging, the sounds of jazz and classical guitar and piano, violin and cello, percussion and vibraphone.
One of the most popular events is the artistic manifestation "Ex tempore" and numerous exhibitions at the City Gallery, as well as thirty private galleries and studios where visitors can see many works of various artists.
In Grožnjan there is also the center of Croatian musical youth, which refines its work to the historical place as an international cultural center and a world center of youth meetings. The center was envisioned as an international camp, and was established in 1969. Until today it has been visited by more than 22,000 participants from 90 countries worldwide.
Agriculture, rural tourism and small businesses have revived the wider environment of Grožnjan, and to the vibrancy of the city, especially during summer, contribute numerous arts and cultural events. Along with the traditional jazz festival, one of the most famous events is "Ex tempore". Many artists and culture workers gather around the so called Grožnjan artistic circle, but also the city's gallery Fonticus, that has in the last decade become a professional exhibition space.
There is, among other things, the active and Imaginary Film Academy, founded in 1955, as a non-profit organization. Its goal is to encourage and organize activities that bring together theater, television and film professionals who advocate for the recognition of dramatic arts in Croatia and abroad.
The city, among other things, is a member of the association of wine cities and olive oils, and offers guests two famous restaurants "Pintur" and "Bastia" where you can enjoy traditional Istrian dishes. Accommodation is offered in twenty houses, apartments and rooms.
The Tourist Board of Istiria County
www.istra.hr
The Tourist Board of Grožnjan
www.tz-groznjan.hr