Thursday 26 May 2016

Istria abecedary: L is for Lavanda



Lavanda is lavender, which grows abundantly in Istria.

L is also for Labin, one of Istria's most charming hilltop towns.

L is also for Loža. 

The Italian word is loggia, a covered gallery similar to a veranda or porch. This is a typical architectural feature in many towns and villages across Istria which dates back to Venetian times. You can see more examples in a previous post.











Tuesday 17 May 2016

Istria abecedary: K is for Koza


Koza is the Croatian word for goat. The goat is the symbol of Istria, and is represented on the Istrian flag (above). Istria's goat is also found on the Croatian flag representing the region of Istria: it's on one of the five shields making up a crown above the central red and white checkered shield. 

K is also for Krasna zemljo

Krasna zemljo (beautiful land) is a hymn that was adopted in 2002 as the official anthem of the Istrian Region. The lyrics were written by Ivan Cukon in 1912, while the music was composed by Matko Brajša Rašan. The Croatian lyrics and their translation are available here

And here's a beautiful musical and visual representation of Krasna zemljo by the Croatian tourist office:



K is also for Konoba

A konoba is a tavern which is often family-run and serves traditional local dishes. The konoba is also the name for the cellar in a house where wine and other food is stored.

K is also for Kažun

Thursday 5 May 2016

Istria abecedary: J is for Jadran



Jadran (pronounced yadran the J is pronounced Y) is the name for the Adriatic Sea in Croatian. Istria as a peninsula is bordered by the Adriatic Sea on all three sides, so its history and many aspects of everyday life are intrinsically tied to it.

J is also for Jugo, the warm wind that blows from the South and brings cloudy and rainy weather. 

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