Istria
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the central territory remained a feudal territory occupied by Slavs, Frankish and finally Austrian Habsburgs, whereas the shore fell under rule of the Republic of Venice in the 13th century. Intermittent
Since 1797, the Croatian residents of Istria struggled for sovereignty and were harshly oppressed both by Austrians and Fascist Italy (after World War I), eventually ending with retribution from Yugoslav partisans after the World War II. A small ethnic Italian population still lives in the coastal towns. Relatively spared from the Yugoslav Wars, Istria is now a booming region. Latter years have seen a growing regional sentiment and a reconciliation with its previously conflictive Italian character.
Nature:
The Istrian peninsula offers stark contrasts: The interior is untouched and mountainous with prehistoric walled cities on the top of hills with surrounding rich fields. The Istrian seaside is arguably the most urbanized holiday-maker target in Croatia.
Although Pula is the main city according to populace and culture, relatively rural Pazin is the administrative hub of the peninsula. Istria is a fine county to practise climbing and biking, as much in the mountainous inland as on the seaside. The Southern end of Istria is arguably the best point for biking. Ask for a bike map in Pula Tourist Office, showing well-marked routes around the coast and in the Cape Kamenjak.
Language
Croatian is the official and most common language, but in these once Venetian lands Italian is almost universally spoken. There is still an Italian cultural community in countless coastal towns. Most restaurants in the main town also have an English speaker or two.
