Istria abecedary: G is for Glagoljica

The Glagolitic alphabet dates back to the 9th century, and is the oldest known Slavic alphabet. It was in use in Croatia from the 12th to the 20th century. Glagolitic inscriptions can be seen in several places in Istria. These stone tablets with Glagolitic characters in the image above are found in Hum's town gate. 

Istria abecedary: F is for Freske

Freske (frescoes) can be seen in many Gothic churches across Istria. Some are better preserved than others, but they are all genuine mural paintings that date back to the medieval period. Here in the village, we have examples of such frescoes just a few steps away from our house, in the 15th century church, St. Mary on the Square (Sveta Marija na placu). Frescoes cover the apse of the small church and the wall behind the altar, which is painted with a scene of the Adoration of the Magi (see images above and below). 

F is also for Fuži

This is a type of fresh pasta typical to Istria. It's always prepared for special occasions, and you can find it on any restaurant menu. It's often served with a type of ragu sauce, or with fresh asparagus when it's in season. Traditionally, fuži are always handmade, but today you can buy it at the supermarket.

Istria abecedary: E is for Eufemija

The church of St Euphemia dominates Rovinj's skyline (photo credit: Istria Tourist Board)

Eufemija (Euphemia) is the name of a popular saint after whom many churches are named in Istria. St Euphemia is the patron saint of Rovinj, and the city's 18th century church is named after her. 

We also have a church dedicated to St Euphemia here in Gračišće – it's one of the village's seven original churches (six remain today) and perhaps the oldest, dating back to 1383. 

The church of St Euphemia in Gračišće 

Istria abecedary: D is for Dvigrad

Dvigrad (meaning ‘two towns’) is a prehistoric settlement located in Istria. It was originally settled by the Illyrians, and later ravaged by the bubonic plague in the 17th century, with the town's only three surviving families eventually abandoning their homes in the early 18th century. Today what remains of the town is the stone ruins making up an archaeological site on a scenic hillside.

You can see more pictures of Dvigrad here.

I actually had a hard time coming up with words starting with D, and especially the letters that follow: Đ (very similar in pronunciation to DŽ but softer) and DŽ (pronounced like the J in 'jam'), because there seem to be few Istrian words starting with these sounds. Anyone have any ideas for these letters??

Istria abecedary: Ć is for Ćićarija

Ćićarija is the name of the (45-km-long) mountainous plateau in northern and north-eastern Istria.

The letter Ć is pronounced like the 'ch' sound in English, but softer, with the tongue placed behind the teeth.

(Photo credit: Istria Tourist Board)

Istria abecedary: Č is for Čakavski

Čakavski is the name of the dialect of Croatian spoken in Istria (not exclusively). The Croatian language has three main dialects (and many sub-dialects) named after the word for 'what' or ča, hence 'Čakavski'.

The letter Č is pronounced like the 'ch' sound in English – like the 'ch' in church.

Istria abecedary: C is for Cukerančići

Cukerančići are a traditional type of cookie or biscuit, always prepared for special occasions. Cuker means sugar in Istrian dialect (pronounced 'tsuker' and similar to Zucker in German... and different to šećer in Croatian), which is sprinkled on top (hence the name!). Very often they're dipped in white wine (after they're baked) before being sprinkled with sugar.

The Croatian letter C is pronounced like the 'ts' sound in the word 'cats'.