During a stay in Kovači, you can distinguish places of interest in the immediate surroundings from themes of the wider Kaštelir-Labinci travel area. In Labinci, the Parish Church of St John the Baptist features frescoes; above the Mirna Valley, the remains of Nigrinjan Castle lie on Gradine Hill. Near Kaštelir, the “Treasure of Nigrinjan” trail begins, following the former route of the Via Flavia. Regional production is another focus in the Kaštelir-Labinci area. When looking for accommodation in Kovači, you can plan separately for places of interest in the immediate surroundings and the regional themes of the wider Kaštelir-Labinci travel area.

Church and castle: different historical connections

The Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Labinci was built in the 13th century and renovated in 1623. Frescoes from the first half of the 15th century have been preserved on its interior walls. The construction, renovation and frescoes belong to different historical periods. This sequence offers a tangible connection to sacred architecture and painting: the church building, the wall paintings and the renovation each represent a distinct phase. The church is in the immediate surroundings of Kovači.

At the remains of Nigrinjan Castle, by contrast, the topographical location defines the point of reference: they lie on the summit of Gradine Hill above the Mirna Valley. This distinguishes the castle site from the church in Labinci, for which construction and fresco dates are given. Both places represent different aspects of regional history: here, a hilltop above the valley; there, a church building with preserved wall paintings. The castle remains are also in the immediate surroundings of the destination.

A trail along the former route of the Via Flavia

The “Treasure of Nigrinjan” trail begins at the northeastern entrance to Kaštelir, near the cemetery in the hamlet of Babići. From there, it heads north, passing Tadini and Mekiši near Kaštelir, and follows the former route of the Roman road Via Flavia. The starting point, direction and named places provide clear orientation along the route. Unlike the castle site, whose location is described in relation to the summit of Gradine, this trail can be understood through its route and its connection to the historic road. This adds a route associated with the Via Flavia to the history-related places.

Produce and olive growing in Kaštelir-Labinci

The wider Kaštelir-Labinci travel area has well-known producers of wine, potatoes, olive oil, honey and vegetables; most have received various awards. Many wine cellars in the wider Kaštelir-Labinci travel area are listed on the wine route maps of Istria County. Producers, awards and wine cellars complement the historical themes with an agricultural perspective on the wider Kaštelir-Labinci travel area.

In the wider Kaštelir-Labinci travel area, the Grebac family has been growing olives for four generations. Their olive grove covers five hectares within a larger estate and has a total of 1,500 trees. The succession of generations sits alongside the specific figures for area and number of trees: this brings one family business into focus, while the other products mentioned reflect the diversity of regional production. Wine and olive growing thus form two distinct agricultural focuses in the wider Kaštelir-Labinci travel area.

Discover more destinations: Kastelir, Krancici, Tadini, Mekiši Kod Kaštelira, Labinci.

View the wider travel overview: Općina Kaštelir - Labinci.