Novigrad – Cittanova: “The old Emonia”
Novigrad is located on the north western side of Istria on the coast line. It is the old Roman settlement named Aemonia. Novigrad has preserved some elements from the old times and it has various nice buildings from the more recent history. Its Municipal loggia is the only Venetian loggia in Istria located on the coastline.
- located 70 kilometres from Smrikve
- Mediterranean charm and atmosphere
- dominant is Venitian architecture
- it is probably the old Emonia; Emonia is probably a Greek name that derives its origin from the name of the Mount Hemos, today known as Balkan.
- not to be missed: visit of the old town and its defence walls, the Church of St. Agatha, the Parish Church of Saints Pelagius and Maximus and the crypt, and Baroque Rigo palace
- Istria from Smrikve aims to promote Istrian cultural heritage... Slow Travel, Slow Food and Sustainable Living... and in this section dedicated to Novigrad-Cittanova’s heritage you may note the permament virtual “Slow Travel Exhibition” of selected families and events worth visiting... you will find recommended accommodations, restaurants, wine and olive oil to taste, event to attend... :)
It is interesting that Novigrad like few others Istrian towns: Rovinj and Umag that are located on the coastline was an island until the 18th century. Few kilometres south of Novigrad is located the mouth of the river Mirna where it flows into the sea.
NOVIGRAD – VIRTUAL TOUR
Arriving with the car towards the older central part of Novigrad
you will have to follow the street and to turn sharply towards right. In this street on your left side you will find the parking
place for your car.
The first building that you could visit in that area is also one of the oldest buildings of Novigrad and is located outside the old town walls. It is the cemetery Church of St. Agatha, an example of Carolingian architecture. It was built in the period between 9th and the 13th century. This old church is located near the main road that continues towards the centre of the old town. It is placed in the last street where you passed with the car before parking it.
If you continue to follow the main road towards the centre you will pass nearby the Church of Our Lady with the bell tower that was built in 1494 and restructured in 18th century. It has a neoclassical façade and above the main door it has a coat of arms of the family Busini. Not far away from this church you will see on your right side the old town walls with a lovely gate of an Hotel.
On the right side there is the old port of the town and on the left side if you go near the coast line you will see parts of the walls that were surrounding the town. The town walls that you see were built during the period of Venice.
If you go towards south that is located on the left side and arrive near the coastline you will see a round tower that is named “rivarella” and the stone wall that you can still see in the water is called “speron”.