Buje is located very close to Slovenia and Italy, not far from Umag and Buzet. The village lies on hills covered with vineyards that look like beautiful waves. There are also olive groves on this fertile and green land. The village is surrounded by oak, cherry and pine trees as well as Mediterranean meadows where wild thyme grows. Gastronomy: truffles, game, cheese and local cured ham will delight visitors.
The village is located on the top of a hill, at an altitude of 220m. It dominates the landscape and affords a beautiful view of the surrounding terraced hills. Buje is surrounded by a green countryside with terraced fields. Buje is called “the guardian of Istria” due to its strategic location.
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Buje’s history
Buje is surrounded by many hills that were already populated by different tribes during the Bronze Age and later during the Iron Age. The town’s history began in prehistoric times. The city was then a Roman and Venetian colony. It was an Italian city until 1945.
During troubled times (the barbarian invasions), the population would seek shelter in the fortifications built on top of the hills. The castle of Buje dates from this period. In 981, the castle of Buje was subjected to Aquileia’s patriarchate, and in 1102, it fell under his reign for good. In the 13th century, Buje was proclaimed a free commune. In 1412, the commune of Buje signed the act of capitulation of Venice. Four centuries of Venetian rule are hidden in Buje’s historical center. You can now discover all this through the Spiazzo alle gate, or the Liberty Square, which was once a loggia. The construction of the Church of the Mother of God of Mercy began in the 15th century. Its tower was not erected until the 17th century.
Buje, a medieval village
The Ethnographic Museum, built over an underground passage, is located opposite these buildings. The old town was protected by the village’s defense towers, two of which are still partially preserved. One of them is a square tower, the other is a pentagonal tower used to protect the Western Gate. A cathedral stands on St. Servul’s Square, at the top of the hill. Renovated in the 18th century, it features all the elements of an ancient Romanesque church built on the foundations of Jupiter’s temple.
A 50-meter bell tower was built during the 15th century in the Aquilean style. A flagpole dating from 1655 stands in front of this monument. Next to the bell tower stands a noble palace built in the Venetian Gothic style. It was used as a court of law for some time. The medieval layout of the old town is still preserved, with a central square and a network of narrow, cobbled streets branching off from it. Due to the lack of space in the old town, Buje expanded further in the 18th century.
Sports activities in Buje
Buje’s exceptional geographical location and the qualities of its terrain offer a wide range of sporting activities in a natural environment that is mostly untouched. You can go biking from fall to late spring on Buje’s uncrowded roads. Mountain bikers can use the marked bicycle paths in the mountains. Biking through Buje’s hills and valleys is one of the best ways to explore and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and views stretching towards the sea. Horseback riding enthusiasts will enjoy the Momjan area, located in the northern part of the municipality of Buje. They can go for a ride off the beaten track with an experienced guide.
Buje is also a hiking paradise. There is an excellent 130 km long network of trails to hike. They are marked and allow visitors to enjoy local treasures. These include karst geological phenomena and old hamlets with white Istrian stone houses. Each hike will be different throughout the seasons due to the wild plants changing colors and pleasantly perfuming the air.
The karst landscape with caves, chasms and streams that flow into the caves, has helped develop local caving activities. This even led to the foundation of the Buje Caving Club. The members of the club are experienced and enthusiastic cavers who also guide people who want to try this sport.
This tourist center located along the coast of Kanegra, nestled in the middle of a green pine forest, has everything you need for your vacation. A wide range of sports and water activities are available: canoeing, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, jet skis, or sport fishing… Many events and shows, sports competitions, games and entertainment for children, including the fun event “Kanegra Nights”, will make your vacation in Croatia unforgettable.