Novigrad
Novigrad, Travel Guide with travel tips for holidays in Novigrad, Croatia
History
Novigrad is a small, picturesque and a fishery settlement, placed on the western coast of Istria peninsula. Town's history reaches from the time of constant cultural and political reforms influenced from the various colonies that have lived on this area.
Novigrad has grown on the island near the coast which was, in the 18th century detached to the land. This old town was built like the Middle Ages town structure with the secure port and a great naval position for the defense. Romans called this town with various names, like Emonia, Emona, Neapolis, Civitas Nova, until the year 955. when the city receives the name Novigrad registered in the written documents. Later on, up till the year 1831. the town is a Bishopric and is under the Church's authority.
Novigrad has passed through many cultural and political changes, and has preserved all the monuments and traces of the past colonization as the treasure and historical roots. Many nations lived here, like the Byzantines, Francs, Venetians and more, which have left that wealthy heritage to the home people.
Besides, the city has numerous monuments and one of the most famous is The parish Church with three names, St. Mary, St. Maksimilian and St. Pelagije which is the baroque church but contains the fragments of the Romanesque and Old Christian culture. The church also consist the sacral collection of Romanesque crypt. The St. Pelagije is the Patron of the city.
Additionally, there are more notabilities like; The Church of Blessed Virgin Mary of Karmela; The Church St. Agata on the cemetery made in as the Romanesque Sacral Fortress; St. Anton Church was made in the Gothic style; The City Walls are made with the Renaissance Towers; The Renaissance Square Tower at the old town entrance and the City Loggia from the 16th century, the unique sample of that kind in Istria nearby the sea.
At the peninsula Karpinjan, near Novigrad, are the remains of the huge property with the late Baroque Palace of the family Riga. On the property are settled the remains of the Antique place Dajla, bay and a small port. On those Antique remains, later was built the Old Christian Basilica and later the Benedictine Abbey. Furthermore, in the 19th century, the Abbey was detached with the Classicist Castle, Church and the economic building. Dajla is settled by the sea and by its uniquesness, attracts people from all over the world.
Culture
Every Mediterranean settlement has its own fishery festivity and so does Novigrad. This festivity is organized during the summer when is the Patron's day, the Day of St. Pelagije and is held in the Old Town along the small streets and piazzas.
Besides, there are numerous festivals held during the whole year and those are: the Encounter of the Croatian Music Choirs; The St. Patrick Day held in the Lapidarium Museum; Spring in Novigrad includes the creative workshops within the traditional school of children's creation; The Lapidarium Museum Days; The Open Cellar Days organized from Umag to Novigrad on the Vine route; The World contest in the anglering from the boat; Second Children Art contest Ex-Tempore; Third Sprint Trial; Fifth Artistic Ex-Tempore "Novigrad Blueness", the international contest; Traditional Festivity of St. John Baptist; The Festival of National dance and music on the Dajla property; Second Novigrad Summer Carnival; Blue Night Manifestation in the Camp Marede with the entertaining program; Second Novigrad Astrology Party "Lunasa" in the Park of Novigrad Bishopric; Media Scape, the international symposium in the Lapidarium Museum; Sixth International Musical Festival; Music Night with the international performers and musicians and many more.
Moreover, the list is long but full with the useful information. Novigrad really offers numerous events, festivals and amusing parties. For every maternal age, Novigrad provides certain fun and guaranties the maximum enjoyment.
Anyhow, the city has two galleries which provide various exhibitions and those are: The Rigo Gallery and a Gallery in the Big Council Chamber. Those Galleries are due to exhibit the important and famous cultural art to present the City's importance within the Istrian people, land and historical relations.
Museums
The City has one museum called Lapidarium. The museum has the constant exhibitions of the pre-historical and historical monuments and remains.
It consists the Tombstones thousand years old; the one part of the Sarcophagus; Stone Plates decorated with the maritime motives; the Altar with the animal relief; the Ciborium of the Bishop Mauritius; the Stone Coat of Arms of Novigrad from the 15th century which is withal the oldest and most preserved monument; The collection of Novigrad Lapidarium; The Coat of Arms of the Bishop Morosini, Bishop Manini and many more.
Things to do
Nightlife
Besides the numerous festivals held during the summer, Novigrad also offers more interesting parties and places where you can also enjoy. For those who prefer the all night long party, Novigrad offers two Disco Clubs; Sperone and Aquarius. The city has two Casinos placed, one in the Hotel Maestral and other in the Hotel Rotonda.
For those who prefer peaceful evenings, Novigrad has many restaurants, taverns, coffee bars, pubs and easy places to fulfill your evening. Furthermore, you can visit concerts of classical music, and concerts of the group Vox Femine and a choir of Woman Choir Novigrad and enjoy in the historical ambience.
Daytime
A Mediterranean place has a beautiful climate and suitable weather to spend an ideal vacation near the sea. That is why Novigrad has plentiful sport and recreational facilities in which you can enjoy all day long. Offers: tennis, bocce, mini golf, rent sailing boats and motor boats, surfboards, cycling routes and bicycles, football, handball, basketball, beach volley ball and much more.
Besides that, you may go on excursion to the Grožnjan, Cove Baredine, or even in Venice, but you can also chose to do the panoramic boat routes in the archipelago.
Anyhow, Novigrad or Cittanova has all the needed features to make you vacation unforgettable.
Service Information
Regional Number Code 052
Police Department 92; Fire Department 93; Emergency 94; Bus Station 757-660; Airport Pula 550-900; Ambulance 757-544; Harbour/Ferry - Marina 757-077; Tourist Office 757-075; Railway Station Pula 541-733; General Information 981.
How to reach us
You can reach Novigrad: By bus which connects all the settlements and cities along the Croatia; By train to the nearest railway station; By plane to the nearest airport; By boat to the main port or by personal boat to the smaller port or marina; By personal vehicle which is the most secure and reliable way to travel.
