Dvigrad, Istria, Croatia
4.5 (134 reviews) Spent Ranking #1 in Kanfanar Ancient Ruins
Authentic Hilltop Town and Fortress
The ruins of Dvigrad were one of the best places I visited in Croatia. Dvigrad (Two Cities) is a sprawling medieval town last inhabited about two hundred years ago. My wife and I enjoyed climbing on the fortress wall, as well as exploring the other buildings. Some structures have been left for the jungle to reclaim, while others are in relatively good condition. Plan on an at least an hour to explore. Parking is easy and free. A small food vendor at the site was selling milkshakes (pass on those), beer, and water. Entry to the ruins was free, and there were only about 10 other people there when we visited on an afternoon in July. Great for families (and kids over 6 yrs old) who like history or like to imagine themselves as medieval knights.
Address
, Kanfanar, Croatia.
Website
http://www.kanfanar.hr/kultura/dvigrad
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 4:11
User Ratings
4.5 based on (134 reviews)
Reviews
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5Adrian R 5:00 PM Jun 8, 2016
Stunning, atmospheric ruins of a long-abandoned town
Set just a few miles off the main highway through Istria, the ruins of this large town, abandoned for over 300 years, are spectacular. Dvigrad (or Due Castelli in Italian) means two towns, and the ruins are extensive, only slowly revealing themselves as you wander through the town gates. It was clearly once a large and thriving settlement, with high defensive walls, a town square, ruins of a church, community buildings and around 200 houses. The history of the town is a true tale of misfortune. Sacked by the Venetians in the 14th century, struck by malaria and plague in the 16th century and then besieged by Uskok pirates in 1615, the very last three resident families left in 1714. The ruins are very atmospheric and our visit, towards the end of the day, was one of the highlights of our time in Istria for all of us. And it was completely free to visit. Great for photographers, there are dozens of photo opportunities, including a wonderful view across the Draga Valley from a sudden sheer drop (I wouldn't recommended letting children roam freely here). There is also a lovely cafe next to the car park where you can enjoy a coffee or a beer and muse on Dvigrad's remarkable story.
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5OldJanxSpirit 5:00 PM Sep 28, 2013
Target for a short car trip from Porec
Dvigrad is suitable target for people who: - would like to break their stay in Porec for a few hours and - like quiet places with specific history (as described by other contributors) and - are able to survive for a short time without tourist "full-service" (= own info/bedeker+water strongly recommended). Trip to Dvigrad (road No.303, turn left at the beginning of Kanfanar) may be combined with views over the fjord Lim (turn right to the road No.21 on the way back).
