This calm hilltop village in Istria has medieval walls, a Glagolitic Alley trail, and Gothic frescoes in St. Anthony's Church. The surrounding forests are rich in truffles.
Roč is a small medieval village on a hilltop in central Istria, Croatia. This calm settlement has well-preserved town walls from the 14th century, a 7-kilometer Glagolitic Alley trail, and St. Anthony's Church with Gothic frescoes. The surrounding forests are rich in truffles, making Roč a great base for truffle hunting and tasting local Istrian cuisine.
Location in Istria
Roč sits on a hill in the heart of Istria, Croatia's largest peninsula. The village is surrounded by forests and rolling hills, typical of the Istrian landscape. Its elevated position allows you to see the surrounding countryside, including nearby medieval towns like Hum and Buzet. The area has a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, making it pleasant to visit throughout the year.
Medieval Architecture
As you walk through Roč, you'll notice the well-preserved medieval architecture that characterizes the village. The town walls, dating back to the 14th century, still partially encircle the settlement. These walls once protected the village from invaders and now serve as a tangible link to Roč's past. Within the walls, narrow cobblestone streets wind between stone houses, creating an atmosphere that evokes centuries of history.
Glagolitic Alley
One of Roč's most unique features is its connection to Glagolitic script, an early Slavic alphabet. The Glagolitic Alley, a 7-kilometer trail between Roč and Hum, celebrates this cultural heritage. Along the path, you'll find 11 monuments dedicated to Glagolitic script and the scribes who used it. Each monument represents a different letter or aspect of Glagolitic culture. Walking this trail teaches you about the region's linguistic history while you enjoy a countryside stroll.
St. Anthony's Church
In the center of Roč stands St. Anthony's Church, a significant religious and historical landmark. Built in the 14th century, this Gothic church contains valuable frescoes from the same period. The frescoes depict religious scenes and are considered important examples of medieval art in Istria. The church's bell tower, added in the 18th century, is a prominent feature of Roč's skyline and can be seen from the surrounding area.
Local Cuisine and Truffles
The forests around Roč are known for their abundance of truffles, particularly the prized white truffle. Local restaurants in and around Roč often include truffle dishes on their menus, allowing you to taste this local delicacy. Beyond truffles, Istrian cuisine is characterized by its use of fresh, seasonal ingredients. You can try traditional dishes like fuži (hand-rolled pasta), pršut (dry-cured ham), and local wines made from Istrian grape varieties.
Hiking and Cycling
The area surrounding Roč has many hiking trails through the nearby forests and hills. You can follow paths that lead to other medieval towns or explore the truffle-rich woodlands. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Cycling is also common in the region, with both road and mountain biking routes available. You'll find a mix of paved roads and off-road trails suitable for different cycling preferences.
Visiting Roč
To reach Roč, you can drive from major Istrian cities like Pula or Rijeka. The village is about an hour's drive from Pula and slightly less from Rijeka. Public buses also connect Roč to nearby towns, though services may be limited. Spring to fall is the most suitable time for outdoor activities. However, winter visits can be rewarding too, especially if you're interested in truffle hunting, which peaks in late autumn and early winter.
