Podgrad lies between the Brkini Hills and Čičarija, in the southeastern part of the Podgrajsko podolje area. Its cultural landmarks range from Novi grad Castle, dating from the 13th century, to the celebration of Nograjsko opasilo on 25 July. This gives visitors two perspectives: historic buildings and a tradition with a fixed date.

Location and landscape

Podgrad lies on an important route between Trieste and Rijeka. The Čičarija route leads from Podgrajsko podolje first into the Brkini Hills and then across the Karst plateau of Čičarija. Podgrad itself lies in the southeastern part of the Podgrajsko podolje area; its churches, castle ruins and the Narodni dom, by contrast, belong to the history of the settlement. For planning a trip, this brings two scales into view: the route focuses on a sequence of regional landscapes, while the buildings point to Podgrad’s history. Those who want to focus on the landscape can consider the Čičarija route as a regional point of reference alongside the settlement’s architectural history.

Churches and castle ruins

The Church of St. James was built in 1645 on a hill below Stari grad. The hill of Stari grad bears the ruins of Novi grad Castle, which dates from the 13th century. A 17th-century church and a medieval castle are thus clearly linked by location: the church lies below the hill with the ruins. The Church of Sts. Cyril and Methodius also has a stated construction date. It was built before 1910 and is clad in dressed stone blocks. Here, a date and a specific architectural feature complement each other. The remains of the once-mighty castle in Podgrad also include part of a defensive tower.

Local history in the Narodni dom and the old part of the settlement

The Narodni dom was officially opened in 1905. Historically, it housed a savings and loan bank. The opening year and its former use offer two different ways of looking at the same building: its inauguration and a historical function. Houses in the old rural part of the settlement once had steep, thatched roofs. This earlier building style broadens the focus beyond churches and castle ruins to the houses of the settlement. Those interested in local history can explore several aspects: the use of the Narodni dom, church architecture and traditional building styles in the rural part of the settlement.

Tradition and visit planning

Nograjsko opasilo is celebrated in Podgrad on 25 July, the feast day of St. James. A mass is held in the Church of St. James on the same day. If you want to plan around the village tradition, use 25 July as your date and check the event schedule before your trip.

Organized groups can visit the ethnological Škoromati collection in the village of Podgrad by prior arrangement. Make arrangements in advance, as they may change. For groups interested in ethnological culture as well as historic buildings, the collection is another possible place to visit.

The Isabella restaurant in Podgrad is a family restaurant with more than 40 years of tradition. Restaurant details may change; check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Brce, Knežak, Mereče, Ilirska Bistrica.

Go to the main travel overview: Ilirska Bistrica.