One of my
favourite cycling routes is along the road which runs from Križ Lindarski to
Žminj. I like it because it’s quiet and scenic – and not too hilly. It passes
through patches of forest and along freshly tilled fields.
Along the way I
pass a kažun, a small stone structure which is typical to Istria. Found on the
edges of fields, kažuns used to be used for shelter during rainstorms when
people were out working their land.
This kažun I
photographed is found close to the road in the village of Katun Lindarski, on
the road to Žminj.
Kažuns are
typically cylinder-shaped with low open doorways and are made of dry stone
walls, which means no mortar was used to hold the stones together. This
technique was also used to build dry stone walls which separate fields –
sometimes kažuns are built into stone walls.
Apparently these
small stone shelters date back to the Roman Empire, and similar structures can
be found in other parts of southern Europe. There are many examples of kažun
still found scattered around Istria and they’re a common sight on country
roads. The fact that many are still standing is proof that they were remarkably
well-built.
Miniature
kažuns are a popular souvenir. |
Ahhhh there you go, I never knew this. How cute .and cool. I must look out for one when I a back up your way
ReplyDeleteI had no idea these existed! That's so neat! I love the little ornaments as well.
ReplyDeleteI can just imagine how beautiful the landscape must be on your bicycle route,... dotted with historical structures like these. It's profoundly amazing the aptitude and engineering genius of the builders of old.
ReplyDeleteThese little houses are very similar to the ones in my hometown Alberobello, they are called trulli though.
ReplyDelete