Historical maritime routes in Istria
Historical sailing routes in Istria: Sailing in the footsteps of ancient traders
The harbour of Pula – an ancient pivotal point
If you start your journey in Pula, you will find yourself in one of the most important harbours of the Roman Empire. Ships loaded with oil, wine, grain and other goods sailed in and out of the harbour over 2000 years ago. The port was the gateway to Roman Istria and connected the peninsula with the most important trading centres of the Mediterranean. Today, you can still marvel at the impressive remains of this era – the amphitheatre of Pula and other Roman buildings tell stories of power, wealth and seafaring.
If you sail out of the harbour of Pula, you will quickly realise why this place was so important: its location on the Adriatic Sea is strategically perfect, and even today Pula is a popular stopover for sailors passing through.
The route of the Venetians
In the Middle Ages, the Venetian Republic dominated large parts of the Adriatic, and Istria was an important part of its trading empire. Venetian merchants sailed along the Istrian coast to trade in spices, fabrics and precious stones. The splendid architecture that you can see today in towns such as Rovinj and Poreč is the legacy of this glamorous era.
If you sail along the old Venetian routes today, you will not only come across charming coastal towns, but also discover the beautiful natural landscapes of Istria. The islands off the coast, such as the Brijuni archipelago, once served the Venetians as protection from pirates and bad weather. Today, they offer you a dreamlike backdrop and quiet anchorages, ideal for a relaxing day on the water.
The salt trade and its traces
Pirates and smugglers – the dark side of seafaring
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