Villa Martini residence

Rakalj is a village in the northeast of Pula, near the Bay of Raška, in the Municipality of Marčana. From the Rakljan side, there is a sea view, the Bay of Raša, and the Labin region on the other side.

Many people from Rakalj tied their destinies to the sea as sailors and fishermen. In the past, Rakalj was known for making traditional Istrian pottery and masonry. Rakalj has about five hundred inhabitants. The inhabitants are engaged in traditional agriculture and animal husbandry, stone quarrying in nearby quarries, or are employed in various activities in Pula and surrounding areas. In recent times, rural and excursion tourism is beginning to develop.

The old castle Rakalj (Rachelle) is located east of today’s settlement, above the cape of St. Nicholas, at 93 m above sea level. Rakalj is the birthplace of the writer and scientist Mijo Mirković – Mate Balota. Mate Balota is one of the most famous Istrian Chakavian poets of the 20th century, the author of Precious Stone, a popular collection of Chakavian verses. A memorial collection has been arranged in his birth house. Every summer, the cultural event Encounters on a Precious Stone is organized in honor of Balota.

The city Pula built at the end of a beautiful bay and on seven hills reveals many lovely and interesting stories. According to the legend, it was founded by the Colchidians, after the pursuit of Argonauts and their leader Jason who stole the precious Golden fleece from the Colchidians.

Today the city lives in many colours and sounds, perfectly interlacing the variegated exciting past with modern times of its inhabitants and visitors. It boasts perfectly preserved amphitheatre, the largest amphora site in the world, Temple of Augustus, many churches, monasteries, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian architecture, excellent various food specialities and wine in its many restaurants, rich museums, galleries, concert events, great nightlife and many other beauties located in this famous city.

Rovinj is one of the most attractive and most beautiful towns on the Mediterranean. The city radiates with a unique beauty which attracts visitors from all over the world. Rovinj has charming stone paved streets, overshadowed by old, closely built, houses with particular architectonic touches and roof terraces, renaissance town walls, beautiful churches, galleries under the clear sky, many restaurants offering seafood whose fresh scent pervades every corner of the town, a view on endless blue embellished with 22 islands, each with its particular attraction. All of this represents Rovinj as an inevitable pearl to meet, feel and always return to it.