History
The beginnings of Svetvinčenat are most commonly associated with the Benedictine monks from Ravenna, whose community settled this region, rich in wood and part of the fiefdom of St. Apollinaris, in the 6th century. Turbulent events and profound changes have throughout the centuries made Svetvinčenat a unique place in Central Istria that attracts attention with its history and rich cultural heritage.
After many centuries of Byzantine, Langobard, and Frank rule, it appears that Svetvinčenat came into the hands of the Diocese of Poreč, subject to the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Aquileia. The administrative and judicial authority in Svetvinčenat was in the hands of the laity who had, as suzerains, interfered with the mensa of the Diocese of Poreč, with complex economic transactions that were the reason of and, simultaneously, the confirmation of the political power of leading figures in the region. Thus, the relationship between the Diocese of Poreč and the Patriarchate of Aquileia, and the counts of Gorizia, the Sergi family from Pula, later called Castropola, and the Morosini della Sbarra dynasty from Venice was strained.
Morosini-Grimani Castle
The largest and dominating element of the Svetvinčenat village, taking up the entire northern part of the main town square, is the stone Morosini-Grimani Castle, one of the larger Istrian castles.
Morosini Grimani video
Morosini-Grimani Castle in the past…
The castle was built as a traditional country estate with an economic, agricultural, and defensive role, which partly explains its surprising size. The castle’s role in determining the scope of the village is multifaceted, starting with the size of the square and various individual architectonic and urban elements. Its feudalistic symbolism of the relationship between the suzerain and the tenants is especially important. As a fort on the border of the Venetian part of Istria, Morosini-Grimani Castle was at times also the seat of military operations during conflicts with Austria (Vučić, 1996-1997). The first fort was erected at the beginning of the 13th century, but tumultuous years of war resulted in its frequent destruction and, consequently, renovations, leading to changes in the castle’s appearance. Besides its appearance, the castle also changed its owners. After the Diocese, and the Castropola and Morosini families, the owner of the castle became the patrician Venetian family Grimani di San Luca. The building got its current appearance in 1589, when Marino Grimani renovated the burnt down castle to the plans of Venetian architects Scamozzi and Campagna. The castle is today one of the most significant Venetian edifices of that time in Istria. Three towers are positioned in its three corners, while in the fourth corner a palace with rooms for the nobility and the captain’s quarters are situated. The towers controlled all four entrances to the town, and were connected by counterfort retaining walls, while, from the inside, a balcony ran along their entire length, from which guards kept sentry through embrasures. The gates, besides a drawbridge, also had a portcullis. Above the gate is carved the castle’s coat of arms – the current coat of arms of Svetvinčenat, and the coat of arms of the Grimani di San Luca and Morosini families. Inside the castle there was a spacious courtyard, village head’s quarters, warehouse for public contributions and munitions, armoury, barracks for 200 musketeers and spearmen, and a very secure prison located underground. In the 19th century, the Grimani family passed the castle to the bishops who gifted it to the municipality at the beginning of the 20th century. The castle was once again incinerated at the end of the Second World War.
What is offered today
ESCAPE CASTLE SVETVINČENAT
As opposed to classic “escape room” games, Svetvinčenat Escape Castle includes the entire Morosini-Grimani Castle, the info point, all 3 towers, the dungeon, armoury, and the throne room in the game. There are seven chivalry trials – of loyalty, courage, faith, justice, caution, knowledge, and perseverance, which the players must find to uncover the castle’s secret.
WEDDINGS AT THE CASTLE
In the very heart of Istria, in the beautiful Morosini-Grimani castle, your wedding day will become unforgettable. A church wedding can be held at the Parish Church of the Annunciation (Navještenja Marijina) at Svetvinčenat’s main square, while a civil wedding can take place in the magical atmosphere of the castle’s medieval Throne Hall.
MEDIEVAL EVENINGS
At the Medieval Evenings, inspired by the more and more popular and already traditional medieval festival, you will find a fair with souvenirs, lavender products, and a photo point where you can get a personalised postcard, besides experiencing knight fights, night combat, a fire show, inquisition, and the burning of the witch.
THRONE OF THE GRIMANI
In order to contribute to the preservation of cultural, historical, and traditional heritage of the region and to the development of tourism, the project to refurbish and convert public content into a tourist attraction was conceived. The project includes also the refurbishment of a room in the palace situated in Morosini-Grimani Castle in Svetvinčenat. The general purpose of the refurbished space will be to host exhibitions, presentations of indigenous products, and creative workshops for visit
The Morosini-Grimani Castle tomorrow...
The integrated development programme KulTERRA – Revitalisation of Istrian Castles Morosini-Grimani and Petrapilosa includes the reconstruction of two monuments of culture, development of cultural, educational and presentation content inside the castles, and the establishment and exhibition of the Ferlin weapon collection inside Morosini-Girmani Castle as well as opening a presentation centre of indigenous food products – the tasting room of Central Istria in Morosini-Grimani Castle.
The “Captain’s Room” exhibition space will be established and furnished to show how the castle captain’s room used to look in the past. An exhibition space for presenting traditions and old wedding customs in order to preserve the intangible cultural heritage, and a space for various events (festivals, conferences, fairs), equipped with all the necessary equipment, will also be arranged. Furthermore, a souvenir shop and a presentation centre – the tasting room of Central Istria with a selection of premium Istrian products from Central and South Istria, will be opened in the Castle.
During the project, the following will be developed…
SOUVENIRS
New souvenirs and products inspired by cultural heritage will be developed: picture books, board games, and other products for children developed on the basis of traditional beliefs in supernatural beings, and various other souvenirs inspired by historical figures.
LIVING
HISTORY
Besides the souvenirs, various shows, plays, and events of living history will be conceptually designed.
NEW TOURISM PRODUCTS
Wines, a tasting room, tourism interpretations services, the Room Escape Game, conferences, projections, fairs, culinary shows, and similar.
