Beram, Medieval hilltop settlement in Pazin, Croatia
Beram is a medieval hilltop settlement in Istria County near Pazin, located at an elevation of about 320 meters. The old stone houses radiate outward from the central Church of Saint Martin, forming a distinctive pattern.
The settlement was first documented in 911 and grew from a Bronze Age settlement into a fortified town with double defensive walls. These fortifications were built over time to protect residents from threats.
The Church of Saint Mary holds Gothic frescoes painted in the 15th century that show people from different walks of life. These artworks reflect the religious beliefs and social structure of the medieval period.
The settlement preserves its original street layout from ancient times, with the main entrance still positioned at the traditional gate location. Walking to and through the site requires good fitness since it sits on a steep hillside.
Archaeological digs carried out in 1883 uncovered more than 170 burial sites containing urns, providing insight into prehistoric funeral customs and daily life. These findings allowed researchers to understand how the earliest inhabitants lived and what they valued.
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