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Culture and Heritage of Novigrad

The statue of a saint atop the bell tower in Novigrad

A Mediterranean Tapestry of Art & History

When you want a break from the sun and the sea, head to the old town. For such a small town, Novigrad holds a surprisingly rich heritage: stone monuments from the early Middle Ages, a Baroque palace turned into a gallery, and stories that reach all the way to the seabed. You'll find a list of summer events on the Events page, and our reception will be happy to recommend what to visit.

Five places for lovers of culture and heritage

Lapidarium Museum

The museum houses pre-Romanesque stone works from the Novigrad cathedral, with delicate carvings in which Christian symbols, animals and mythical creatures intertwine. In summer, the Lapidarium hosts exhibitions by Croatian and international artists, as well as contemporary art events.

Entrance of the Novigrad's Lapidarium

Rigo Palace

The palace belonged to the Venetian Rigo family and is an exceptional example of Central European Baroque. Today it is a contemporary art gallery, so it's worth a visit even when it rains.

Contemporary art exhibition in the Rigo Gallery in Novigrad

Mauritius Ciborium

A vaulted canopy above the baptistery, one of the few fully preserved early medieval ciboria. A small detail that art history lovers never miss.

Ciborium of Bishop Mauritius among pre-Romanesque stone reliefs in Novigrad Lapidarium

Dajla

A former monastery, today an abandoned complex with a 19th-century Neoclassical palace, not far from Novigrad. The two massive pillars of the former gate are one of the most photographed spots in Istria.

Stone pillars of the former Dajla estate gate by the sea at dusk

Shipwreck of Coriolanus

This British Shakespeare-class warship from 1940 sank after hitting a mine on May 5, 1945, and today lies west of Novigrad at a depth of 11 to 25 meters. Dives to the wreck are organized through licensed diving centers.

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