On a hill above Rabac is the medieval town of Labin, whose old name Albon first mentioned in 285 AD. The hometown of Matija Vlačić, the reformer and collaborator of Martin Luther, is today a cultural and administrative center, but also a real lure for travelers who enjoy wandering through its narrow streets.
Rarely does the wealth of architecture and cultural-historical monuments combine so charmingly with numerous art studios and the breath of youth that gathers here, especially in the evening, in numerous catering establishments. It's nearby Dubrova with a sculpture park – Forma viva outdoors with over 70 works.
/// We take you to the park where the sculptures talk
Can you believe that the baroque palace hides a mine? Do you know who invented the speedometer? Do you know how the closest associate of the Protestant reformer Martin Luther was a Labinian? You will find out the answers to all these questions if you give yourself a chance to get to know them this picturesque town.
A city rich in history and culture
After a walk through the streets of the Old Town, which will win you over with its charm, we definitely recommend a visit to the City Museum with its archaeological and ethnological collection and a mine model unique in this part of Europe. A faithful representation of the 150-meter-long mining corridors located in the basement of the building includes the characteristic features of the mine, including the original sounds recorded in the original mine.
During the construction of the mine, the dimensions of the real mine were taken into account, so this reconstruction is easily passable in the first part. But from the halfway point, the ceiling descends and becomes lower and lower, and the passage narrows, and a protective helmet is very welcome. Such dimensions faithfully depict all the weight and horror of the mining work.
/// Raša and Labin are building a tourism future on the mining past
Take a look at the memorial collection of Matija Vlačić Iliriko, take a peek into the artist's studios, enjoy the beautiful view from the city's Fortica of Rabac, Cres and the surroundings of Labin, and go shopping in the small, elegant shops. Refresh yourself in cafes and restaurants because these are places where everyone meets everyone, deals are made, or just a casual chat.
Labin - a town on a hill
The site of today's picturesque town of Labina, located on a hill 320 meters high, only about three kilometers from the sea, was apparently inhabited as early as 2000 BC. The remains of one of these Bronze Age castellan settlements, Kunci, are located in the immediate vicinity of Labin.
Its old name, Albona or Alvona, is of Illyrian Celtic origin, and it seems that the Celts founded it in the 11th century BC on the site of a former fortress, although some historians mention that the Illyrians fortified the place as early as the XNUMXth century BC. According to historians, Albona in the Celtic language means 'city on a hill', i.e. 'high settlement'.
Titus Livius will write about its then inhabitants that they were pirates. After the conflict between the local population and the Romans, which began in the third century BC, Istria fell under Rome in 177 BC, and the border became the Raša river. Labin and its surroundings become an integral part of the Roman province of Illyricum with a high degree of independence and authority over the surrounding towns. The oldest written document about Labin is a relief from the third century AD with an inscription "RES PUBLICA ALBONESSIUM".
Get to know Labin and its surroundings
Labin is a destination where in September the view will be dotted with gold, and the flavors will smell of truffles and the best drops of wine. Choose a walk through the picturesque streets, hiking to the sea and the beaches of nearby Rabac, or cycling on numerous trails.
Of the many trails of the Labin region, the two connect Labin and Rabac: Senton's Path and Path of Divine Sources. These two paths, apart from their beauty, are also interesting because walkers can combine them, i.e. use one in one direction and the other in another direction. Thus, you can go from Labin to Rabac on the Path of Divine Springs, and return on the Sentona Path. A stress-free weekend is guaranteed here if you turn off your cell phones. Look for the details of these tracks HERE.
/// Walk from Labin to Rabac and enjoy the beauties and stories of Istria
Photo source: Tourist board of the city of Labin
