Istria Beyond the Crowded Beaches: Mummies, Relics, and Olive Oil in Vodnjan / Dignano [EN]

Forget the crowded beaches – discover the spiritual and cultural heart of Istria in the town of Vodnjan / Dignano. In this video, we’ll take you on a journey through cobbled streets, baroque churches, and one of the most important relic collections in all of Europe. You'll visit the Church of St. Blaise, home to over 370 relics, including four naturally preserved mummified saints, the clothing of Pope Innocent XII, and a replica of the Shroud of Turin. But Vodnjan holds even more surprises: from the olive oil haven Oleificio Tonin, ranked among the best in the world, to the Kažun Park, where you’ll learn about traditional dry-stone huts. We’ll also explore the Romanesque Church of St. Fosca, and end in Peroj, home to the only active Orthodox church on the Istrian peninsula, built by Montenegrin settlers in the 17th century. This hidden gem proves that Istria is not just about the coast — it’s also about history, faith, and flavor. 👉 Support my travels and content creation: https://buymeacoffee.com/weekendtraveler