The memory of Labin used to not associate me with the charm of old towns, unlike, for example, Rovinj. Today, however, the situation is different. It was enough for that short walk the old town center located on a hill just a few kilometers from the eastern coast of Istria.
The old town of Labin is known for medieval palaces which began to be built with the rise of the Venetian Republic, and one of the most famous is the Gothic-Renaissance Scampicchio Palace from the 15th century.
The medieval core is located in the highest part of the city (Gorica). Walls with which it was surrounded in 1300, were reinforced again during the 15th and 16th centuries.
The Raša River flows beneath Labin, historical border between the Illyrian tribes of Histri and Liburni, and later the Roman provinces of Histria and Dalmatia.
Narrow streets, walls and stone houses
Labin has a rich history and cultural heritage, and today it is a city of galleries and artists. On the main town square there is a perfectly preserved loggia from the 16th century.
The main city gate of St. Flora also dates from that time, above which the Labin coat of arms and the Venetian lion, the symbol of Venetian rule, are carved.
The old core is breathtaking narrow streets, stone houses and imposing walls. If you climb the bell tower or walk to the Fortica viewpoint, you will be greeted by a panoramic view of Kvarner and Učka.
Art and gastronomy
Labin is known as a city of artists. You will find numerous galleries, studios and cultural events held throughout the year.
It is especially interesting Labin Art Republic, a cultural project that includes various exhibitions, concerts and performances during the summer months. The Sculpture Park on Dubrova near Labin, on the other hand, offers a unique experience with 67 sculptures by renowned artists.
The city offers a superb gastronomic offer, so in the old part you will find in a restaurant which serve traditional dishes prepared in a modern way. They use local ingredients, of which Istrian prosciutto, homemade cheese and various types of pasta are particularly appreciated.
If you are a fan of Neapolitan pizza from a bread oven, be sure to visit Pizzeria Rumors which is considered one of the best in Croatia. It is also worth mentioning the large terrace with a beautiful view of Rabac and part of the Kvarner Bay, which rounds off the entire gastronomic experience.
The only question is how lucky you will be to get a table with a superb view.
Mining and the Republic of Labin
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Labin area was the mining center of Istria - coal, bauxite and marl were mined for cement production. After initial exploration in 1623, the real mining development It begins in 1785 when the first mine in Krapan opens.
It intensified in the 19th century with the opening of mines in Vinež and Štrmec, along which smaller settlements emerged, and experienced its greatest boom between the two world wars.
At that time, the modernly planned towns of Raša and Podlabin were built according to the designs of Italian architects. Below Labin, Pjacal complex with entrance shaft (shaft), electrical switchboard and administration building; the melioration of the Raša river has been carried out, loading ports are being built in the Raška and Plominska canals.
The struggle for better working conditions for miners who came from remote areas of eastern and southern Istria on foot, by bicycle, and even by boat, sparked a bloody uprising in 1921 known as the Republic of Labin.
