Istra Inspirit is a series of events that revive history, Istrian myths and legends at authentic locations.
In only a few days, you can travel through time, through the period of castles, Roman villas, urban centres and museums,
participating in Roman feasts, medieval executions, Baroque balls and visit a coal mine.
Moments
of Istria’s
mystical history, demonstrated by excellent actors
in superb scenery, followed by a specially prepared dinner with menus
from
various historical periods, entertainment, dancing
and interesting surprises... Take an opportunity to experience
extraordinary
magical adventures possible
only in Istria!
Mythical creatures of IstriaThe food of the giant Veli Jože, the sorceress’s magic potions
and the games of the ancient circus
Enjoy an
interactive program for children and adults, including sketches,
workshops
and playrooms with Istrian mythological creatures
and legends. While watching a play of the ancient circus that once
provided
entertainment at fairs with unusual musicians,
jugglers, clowns and fakirs, you can try the magic potions of
sorceresses and
sorcerers and the food of the giant Veli Jože...
CrispoThe feast Constantine the Great honoured his son with and what made the stepmother wicked
The
year is 326, and Crispo has just returned from war and his father,
Constantine the Great, declares him his heir. Fausta,
Crispo’s stepmother, tries to seduce him but does
not succeed and decides to seek her revenge. This play takes you into
the world of Roman plots and intrigues, love, hate
and revenge, followed by a feast of dishes made according to ancient
Roman recipes...
SpacioThe food of fishermen and farmers and discussions at the tavern
Not
so long ago, fishermen
would catch fish from their batana (a type of
boat), while farmers made wine, after which they would all meet in the
Spacio
(tavern) and sing about their lives, the sea, the countryside, tales of unhappy loves and happy endings. They would comment
everyday events and sometimes, filled with wine and fish, they would quarrel...
Mare the witchWhy the herbalist Mary was burned at the stake and how the executioners celebrated
In
1632 Mare Radolovich was a local herbalist and healer who was accused
of witchcraft by her neighbours, the same people
that she had healed and helped. They accused her of
making a pact with the devil, declared her a witch and condemned her to
death by burning at the stake in the castle’s
courtyard. Did she survive? Discover the truth at this renaissance
feast in a magnificent Venetian fortress...
IustitiaDomenico Furlan’s thievery and how justice was served
In
the year 1699, the infamous robber Domenico Furlan destroyed
the tabernacle of the Basilica in Poreč and stole
its gold and silver ornaments. At his trial, he was found guilty of this
unprecedented act and was executed. Join the
people’s celebration of justice served that turns into a baroque
celebration...
The lighthouse of loveThe secret love of Count Metternich and why they didn’t live happily
ever after
The year 1818 marked the construction
of the lighthouse that will later serve as love nest for Count
Metternich
and his lover, a young woman from Savudrija.
Experience the delight of this forbidden love with the sound of a
crackling fire
and the fragrances and flavours of love potions.
Enjoy the
dishes sprinkled with aphrodisiacs and follow the story of
two lovers...
Jules Verne: Escape from the castleHow Count Sandorf escaped from the castle and what Jules Verne
knew about it
In Jules Verne’s novel, in 1867
Mathias Sandorf was preparing a conspiracy for the secession of Hungary
from the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. But, he was
discovered, and after a trial, was thrown in the Castle of Pazin to
await
execution. Sandorf and two other conspirators managed to escape from the castle by descending the cliff of the Cave of Pazin
into its abyss. Enjoy this adrenaline adventure followed by a party, drinks and music from original
historical time period...
Old BuzetHow they baked bread and what music they danced to in old Buzet
In
an extraordinary
surrounding you will experience sounds, flavours
and fragrances, talk and music, sights and spirit of the 20th century
and
the past times. You will make your bread in the
old-fashioned way, learn old dances accompanied by the sound of
accordion,
double bass and violin, play the game ‘pljočke’, or
simply take a walk and discover the streets and squares, old
workshops, tasting rooms, wine shops, souvenir
shops...
The Miner’s RepublicIs there a sky under the ground? The lives and food of coal miners
Take a walk through the year 1921, 150 meters below ground, under 20 million tons of stone, where there were no sunlight,
sky and perception of time, there was only the darkness... and REVOLUTION!
This difficult and touching story about the
human strength and pride will reveal the life of miners in one day, from their job to their meals...