Boljun, Medieval hilltop settlement in Lupoglav, Croatia
Boljun is a small hilltop settlement in Istria featuring narrow lanes flanked by stone and stone-built houses with traditional regional design. The buildings showcase typical local features including thick walls and small windows that provide shelter from the elements.
The settlement dates to medieval times and was once protected by fortification walls built to withstand attacks. These defenses were constructed during a period of intense conflicts between major powers competing for control over the region.
The Church of Saints Cosmo and Damian sits at the heart of the community and reflects how residents have maintained religious traditions across generations. Walking inside reveals evidence of later expansions that show the place's enduring importance to local life.
The place is small and easy to explore on foot, though there are many stairs and uneven surfaces between the houses. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to move slowly through the narrow lanes.
In front of the church stands a Roman stone that hints at the site's ancient past and shows people lived here long before medieval times. The marking suggests the Romans called this place Ad Fines and used it as a boundary marker.
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