Parenzana

Revived in modern times as a cycling and hiking trail, the Parenzana was a narrow-gauge railway in the Habsburg era. Built in 1902, it ran from Trieste in Italy, through the Istrian interior before terminating down the coast at Poreč. After the Habsburg Empire collapsed in 1918, it was overseen by Istria’s new occupiers, Italy, but fell into disrepair and was closed in 1935. Neglected for decades, it was revived section by section after Croatian independence. Now it is used for panoramic walks and bike rides, the route taking in picturesque Motovun, Buje and Grožnjan around Istria’s hilltop landscape.