Buzet, Croatia City Guide: What to Do in and Around the City of Truffles

Buzet Croatia is another north Istria’s hilltops town, one of the most famous medieval Istria region towns, first mentioned more than 1800 years ago.

It was inhabited in prehistoric times and during the time of the Romans was called Pinquentum. After the Byzantine period , this area was inhabited by Croats and Slovenians.

Like other towns in Istria, Buzet was a part of the Venetian empire which was the longest period of reign that lasted up to 1797. The Venetian style is visible on the most of Buzet’s monuments and palaces, particularly between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Buzet Croatia Map

Buzet is situated in the very north of Istria near the border with Slovenia. Its historic core, dating from the Middle Ages lies on 150 meters hilltop above a fertile valley of the Mirna river.

Buzet is located about 50 km from major cities such as Rijeka, Porec, Trieste in Italy, Koper in Slovenia and 90 km from Pula.

If you are heading to Istria by car from the west ( Slovenia or Italy) , you’ll have to cross one of the three border crossings between Slovenia and Croatia). I suggest to use Pozane – Socerga border (since it is not so busy during the heavy traffic in high season).

If you prefer traveling by bus, Buzet has very good bus connections with Rijeka, Pula, Porec, Umag, Trieste, Venice and Zagreb. I recommend Autotrans bus company !

You can reach Buzet even by train. About 4 km north of Buzet, there is the railway station Buzet. From here trains run to Pula and Slovenia. More info can be found on Croatia Railway website !

If you coming by plane, the nearest international airport is Pula airport. Others are Rijeka (Island Krk), Zagreb (Pleso), Ronchi dei Legionari near Trieste (Italy) and Ljubljana (Brnik).

Buzet Croatia Events

Giant omelet with truffles

Since Buzet was proclaimed the ‘City of Truffles’ in 1999, every year in the second weekend of September, before the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (Day of the City of Buzet – traditional Subotina), a giant omelet (fritada) with truffles is prepared on Fontana square.

This omelet of over 2000 eggs and 10 kg truffles is prepared in a pan of about 1000 kg, measuring 2.5 m in diameter. This traditional event indicates the beginning of Truffle Days in this truffle area.

The season of white truffles lasts from September to the end of November, which is the ideal time for your palate to taste this delicacy. Black truffles are harvested from January to September.

Subotina – an old traditional folk festival

Subotina is an old traditional folk festival which is regularly held in Buzet. It takes place in September depending on the feast of the Virgin Mary (8th of September). Since 2002, this event has been enriched with the program ‘Subotine by the Antique’, which is held in the Old Town core.

Subotina is program of cultural tourism revitalization of the Old Town, which includes several segments of cultural, entertainment, food,ethnic and other offerings – designed in a way that presents the entire life of the old Buzet.

Where to stay in Buzet Croatia?

Three star hotel Fontana lies at the foot of the old town of Buzet in the town center. This stylish, newly arranged and easily accessible hotel is ideal for those who want to explore Buzet area and Istria.

The hotel disposes of 54 rooms and 3 suites. According quests reviews this hotel has a great location. It’s super clean with very nice helpful stuff. Highly recommended.

Thanks for sharing this article!

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