Pazin, city and settlement in Istria County, Croatia
Pazin is a small town in central Istria, built on a steep cliff overlooking a natural chasm called the Pazin Abyss. The town is dominated by Pazin Castle, a large medieval fortress perched on a hill, and below the castle lies a deep cave carved out by the Pazinčica River.
Pazin Castle is first mentioned in documents from the year 983 and was contested by various rulers over the centuries, including the Habsburgs. The town grew around this strategic fortress, which was repeatedly damaged during wars and natural disasters but always restored afterward.
Pazin is known as the "Heart of Istria" due to its central position in the region, and this identity shapes how the town feels and operates. Locals and visitors gather in cafes on quiet streets and at the monthly fair on the first Tuesday, where people sell and buy traditional foods and crafts made in the area.
Pazin is easily reached by bus and train connecting it to other places in Istria, though services run less often on weekends. Many visitors arrive by car as coastal towns like Poreč and Rovinj are about one hour away, making the town a good base for exploring the surrounding region.
A zipline over the Pazin Abyss lets visitors soar across the chasm from about 330 feet (100 meters) above, viewing castle and cliffs below. This thrilling experience rewards visitors with an aerial perspective of the rugged landscape and runs only from late spring through early autumn.
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