Novaki Pazinski brings together an early historical mention, traces of a fortified settlement, and works of art in chapels and churches. In 1341, the place was first mentioned as property of the Patriarch of Aquileia. Its historical focus ranges from the settlement history of Stari Novaki to altarpieces dating from different centuries.
Stari Novaki: Settlement History on the Hilltop
The former fortified settlement of Stari Novaki stood on a hill above present-day Novaki Pazinski. Wars in the 16th and 17th centuries destroyed it. The hilltop offers views of the surrounding area; the remains of a chapel can also be found at Stari Novaki. Here, the history of a fortified place, a viewpoint, and a sacred remnant come together.
These traces add another historical perspective to the early mention in 1341: they draw attention to the former settlement site and the changes associated with its destruction. For visitors interested in local history, Stari Novaki is a distinct point of interest alongside the chapels and churches in the present-day settlement.
Chapels and Church Art
The Chapel of St. Roch, beside the Cerovlje–Pazin road, dates from the 15th century. Its altarpiece was painted by Maria Creglia. The main altar in the parish church of St. Ulrich in Pazinski Novaki features an 18th-century oil painting. It depicts the Virgin and Child, the Archangel Michael, and St. Ulrich.
The two altarpieces offer different points of entry for a cultural-historical perspective: the painter is named in the case of the Chapel of St. Roch, while the date, oil technique, and figures depicted take center stage in the painting in the Church of St. Ulrich. Together with the chapel remains at Stari Novaki, these details show that local history is not limited to a single period or building.
Ponds and Walks in the Surrounding Area
Ponds near Pazinski Novaki are managed by ŠRD Pazinčica from Pazin and are considered among the most fish-rich waters in central Istria. Bare Cerovlje offers a different setting for activities: its green banks and poplar trees provide a backdrop for walks and picnics. The two places offer different experiences—ponds and abundant fish on the one hand, and walking and relaxing by the water on the other.
When planning a stay, this distinction can help you organize your interests: would you like to focus primarily on local history, with its churches and settlement traces, or also include walks and picnic spots in the surrounding area? These themes complement one another without needing to be combined into a single route.
More Cultural Sites in the Wider Destination of Općina Cerovlje
The wider destination of Općina Cerovlje also has its own cultural and historical highlights. In Draguć, the former settlement was rebuilt according to a precise plan after being destroyed by a fire during the Uskok War of 1615 to 1618. The Church of St. Elijah there is a Romanesque building dating from the late 12th century, constructed from two-colored stone blocks. In Gradinje, the Church of All Saints dates from 1604; beneath layers of plaster are frescoes and Glagolitic graffiti.
These examples broaden the regional perspective with themes beyond the settlement history of Novaki Pazinski: planned reconstruction after destruction, Romanesque architecture, and historic wall art. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore weigh whether your focus is Novaki Pazinski itself or a broader cultural-historical interest in the wider destination of Općina Cerovlje.
Discover more destinations: Korelići, Grimalda, Paz, Cerovlje, Previž, Borut, Draguć, Gologorica.
Go to the wider travel overview: Općina Cerovlje.
