Gracišce
Encyclopedia
Gračišće is a village and the administrative centre of the same-named municipality in Istria
, Croatia
, elevation 457 meters. Total municipality population is 1,433 (census 2001) living in 7 settlements:
and Iron Age
. There are just few findings located at Perunčevac, Perunovac, Osoje, Funčići, Bazgalji
with ceramics finds and Salamunišće where the Bronze Age grave was found.
In Iron Age Istria was settled with Illyrian tribes of Histri
(west, south and central Istria) and Liburni (eastern part).
After few centuries of armed conflicts, the war between Roman Empire
and Illyrian Histri tribe (Istria is named after them) which lived in Istria ended with the fall of Nesactium
in 177 BC. Histria was subjected to Roman rule during the middle 2nd century BC. In 129 BC Histria province was incorporated into Illyricum
. It remained so until till the last expansion of Italian borders in 18-12 BC with eastern frontier settled on the river Raša
. Soon after integration of Histria into Italy it was incorporated into Tenth region (Regio X), which was replaced at the end of 3rd century with Venetia et Histria province. The territory of Gračišće remained confined between coastal colonies but not belonging to them. After a while it become imperial property and in 3rd century it came under control of the revenue officials situated in Pola (today Pula
). Strategic position of Gračišće grew more important during and after 3rd and 4th century when hills around Gračišće become good defending positions. After 476 AD West Roman Empire fell but after 30 years Justinian I
, emperor of the East Roman Empire, restores the empire and Byzantine Empire
ruled in Istria until 751 AD.
In early Middle Ages
various barbarian tribes invaded Istria. They remained for brief periods except Slavs which settled mostly in interior. Istria became part of the Franconian
state in 788 AD which encouraged the settling of the Slavs.
After Franconian rule Istria fell under Italian reign then, in 952 AD became part of duchy of Bavaria
, after that in 976 AD it became part of the duchy of Carinthia
and in 11th century fell under the jurisdiction of the Church
and some German feudal families. In 1199 Gračišće was first mentioned in any written sources as Gallinianum. In 14th and 15th century Gračišće grew quite prosperous if compared with surrounding cities.
The Inner Istrian part around Mitterburg (Pazin
), was held for centuries by the Holy Roman Empire (Heiliges Römisches Reich Deutscher Nation).
The Holy Roman Empire rule ended with the period of Napoleonic rule from 1805 to 1813 when Istria became part of the Italian Kingdom and of the Illyrian provinces of the Napoleonic Empire. After this short period the newly established Austrian Empire ruled Istria as the so called "Küstenland". After World War I and the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, Istria was given to Italy. After the end of World War II, Istria was included into Yugoslavia
. After the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991 Istria (and Gračišće) became part of modern state of Croatia. It was in Croatian state that Gračišće become the seat of Gračišće municipality.
Gračišće village which is also the administrative centre of Gračišće municipality is located about 8 kilometres east of Pazin
, on the road Pazin - Kršan
- Vozilići. It is seated on the top of the hill and it is typical medieval Istrian town. Gračišće village stands completely under monumental protection. From the old cemetery which is located in front of St. Vitus church one has a panoramic view of inner Istria up to the Učka
mountain range (1402m), Julian Alps
and Dolomites
.
Between Gračišće an Pićan lies the protected landscape (1475 ha, protected from 1973) with unusual geological characteristics. Diverse landscape has been formed by erosion of marl, sandstone and limestone deposits with brook valleys formed in marl and hills formed from harder limestone which dominate the surrounding landscape.
, the whole of Gračišće Municipality has 1433 inhabitants, while the settlement of Gračišće itself has 467 inhabitants. The ethnic composition of the Municipality is 82.07% Croats
, 15.91% others, and 0.35% Italians.
). In recent times some rural tourism is emerging.
altar. The successive reconstruction of St. Eufemia church did not change the essential characteristics of its medieval architecture. Many residential houses were built in 15. century as dates which are inscribed on the portals show. In the Middle Ages it was encircled by fortifications and one of the towers and main municipal gates are still standing today.
The parish church of St. Vitus was built in 1769. In Gračišće you can also see the Palace of Solomon, the only example of a Gothic residence in this part of Istria
. Summer seat of the Pićan
bishop was also located in Gračišće.
Istria
Istria , formerly Histria , is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. The peninsula is located at the head of the Adriatic between the Gulf of Trieste and the Bay of Kvarner...
, Croatia
Croatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
, elevation 457 meters. Total municipality population is 1,433 (census 2001) living in 7 settlements:
Towns and villages in municipality
- BatlugBatlugBatlug is a village in the municipality of Gračišće in Istria, Croatia.According to the 2001 Croatian census, the village had 142 inhabitants. and 42 family households....
- 142 - BazgaljiBazgaljiBazgalji is a village in the municipality of Gračišće in Istria, Croatia.According to the 2001 Croatian census, the village had 233 inhabitants. and 59 family households....
- 233 - Gračišće - 467
- JakačićiJakačićiJakačići is a village in the municipality of Gračišće in Istria, Croatia.According to the 2001 Croatian census, the village had 152 inhabitants. and 42 family households....
- 152 - MandalenčićiMandalenčićiMandalenčići is a village in the municipality of Gračišće in Istria, Croatia.According to the 2001 Croatian census, the village had 255 inhabitants. and 81 family households....
- 255 - Milotski BregMilotski BregMilotski Breg is a village in the municipality of Gračišće in Istria, Croatia.According to the 2001 Croatian census, the village had 113 inhabitants and 35 family households....
- 113 - ŠkopljakŠkopljakŠkopljak is a village in the municipality of Gračišće in Istria, Croatia.According to the 2001 Croatian census, the village had 71 inhabitants and 21 family households....
- 71
History
Prehistory of Gračišće and its surroundings is poorly known. Gračišće with its surroundings has good strategic position and was almost surely settled and also played significant role in this area during Bronze AgeBronze Age
The Bronze Age is a period characterized by the use of copper and its alloy bronze as the chief hard materials in the manufacture of some implements and weapons. Chronologically, it stands between the Stone Age and Iron Age...
and Iron Age
Iron Age
The Iron Age is the archaeological period generally occurring after the Bronze Age, marked by the prevalent use of iron. The early period of the age is characterized by the widespread use of iron or steel. The adoption of such material coincided with other changes in society, including differing...
. There are just few findings located at Perunčevac, Perunovac, Osoje, Funčići, Bazgalji
Bazgalji
Bazgalji is a village in the municipality of Gračišće in Istria, Croatia.According to the 2001 Croatian census, the village had 233 inhabitants. and 59 family households....
with ceramics finds and Salamunišće where the Bronze Age grave was found.
In Iron Age Istria was settled with Illyrian tribes of Histri
Histri
Histri were an ancient tribe, which Strabo refers to as living in Istria, to which they gave the name.The Histri are classified in some sources as a "Venetic" Illyrian tribe, with certain linguistic differences from other Illyrians. The Romans described the Histri as a fierce tribe of pirates,...
(west, south and central Istria) and Liburni (eastern part).
After few centuries of armed conflicts, the war between Roman Empire
Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was the post-Republican period of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial holdings in Europe and around the Mediterranean....
and Illyrian Histri tribe (Istria is named after them) which lived in Istria ended with the fall of Nesactium
Nesactium
Nesactium was an ancient fortified town of the Histrii tribe. Its ruins are located in southern Istria, Croatia, between the village of Muntić and Valtura.-History:...
in 177 BC. Histria was subjected to Roman rule during the middle 2nd century BC. In 129 BC Histria province was incorporated into Illyricum
Illyricum (Roman province)
The Roman province of Illyricum or Illyris Romana or Illyris Barbara or Illyria Barbara replaced most of the region of Illyria. It stretched from the Drilon river in modern north Albania to Istria in the west and to the Sava river in the north. Salona functioned as its capital...
. It remained so until till the last expansion of Italian borders in 18-12 BC with eastern frontier settled on the river Raša
Raša (river)
The river Raša, in Croatian Istria is a major river of Croatia's Istria County. Its mouth is in the long ria of Raški zaljev/Porto d'Arsia, which is a drowned river valley scoured out when world sea levels were lowered, then drowned by the rising waters of the post glacial era...
. Soon after integration of Histria into Italy it was incorporated into Tenth region (Regio X), which was replaced at the end of 3rd century with Venetia et Histria province. The territory of Gračišće remained confined between coastal colonies but not belonging to them. After a while it become imperial property and in 3rd century it came under control of the revenue officials situated in Pola (today Pula
Pula
Pula is the largest city in Istria County, Croatia, situated at the southern tip of the Istria peninsula, with a population of 62,080 .Like the rest of the region, it is known for its mild climate, smooth sea, and unspoiled nature. The city has a long tradition of winemaking, fishing,...
). Strategic position of Gračišće grew more important during and after 3rd and 4th century when hills around Gračišće become good defending positions. After 476 AD West Roman Empire fell but after 30 years Justinian I
Justinian I
Justinian I ; , ; 483– 13 or 14 November 565), commonly known as Justinian the Great, was Byzantine Emperor from 527 to 565. During his reign, Justinian sought to revive the Empire's greatness and reconquer the lost western half of the classical Roman Empire.One of the most important figures of...
, emperor of the East Roman Empire, restores the empire and Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern Roman Empire during the periods of Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages, centred on the capital of Constantinople. Known simply as the Roman Empire or Romania to its inhabitants and neighbours, the Empire was the direct continuation of the Ancient Roman State...
ruled in Istria until 751 AD.
In early Middle Ages
Middle Ages
The Middle Ages is a periodization of European history from the 5th century to the 15th century. The Middle Ages follows the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and precedes the Early Modern Era. It is the middle period of a three-period division of Western history: Classic, Medieval and Modern...
various barbarian tribes invaded Istria. They remained for brief periods except Slavs which settled mostly in interior. Istria became part of the Franconian
Franconian
Franconian may refer to:*anything related to Franconia , a historic region in Germany, now part of Bavaria, Thuringia and Baden-Württemberg*Franconian languages*Franconian , a stage in North American stratigraphy...
state in 788 AD which encouraged the settling of the Slavs.
After Franconian rule Istria fell under Italian reign then, in 952 AD became part of duchy of Bavaria
Duchy of Bavaria
The Duchy of Bavaria was the only one of the stem duchies from the earliest days of East Francia and the Kingdom of Germany to preserve both its name and most of its territorial extent....
, after that in 976 AD it became part of the duchy of Carinthia
Duchy of Carinthia
The Duchy of Carinthia was a duchy located in southern Austria and parts of northern Slovenia. It was separated from the Duchy of Bavaria in 976, then the first newly created Imperial State beside the original German stem duchies....
and in 11th century fell under the jurisdiction of the Church
Christian Church
The Christian Church is the assembly or association of followers of Jesus Christ. The Greek term ἐκκλησία that in its appearances in the New Testament is usually translated as "church" basically means "assembly"...
and some German feudal families. In 1199 Gračišće was first mentioned in any written sources as Gallinianum. In 14th and 15th century Gračišće grew quite prosperous if compared with surrounding cities.
The Inner Istrian part around Mitterburg (Pazin
Pazin
Pazin is the administrative seat of Istria County in Croatia. The town has a population of 4,986 , the total Pazin municipality population is 9,227...
), was held for centuries by the Holy Roman Empire (Heiliges Römisches Reich Deutscher Nation).
The Holy Roman Empire rule ended with the period of Napoleonic rule from 1805 to 1813 when Istria became part of the Italian Kingdom and of the Illyrian provinces of the Napoleonic Empire. After this short period the newly established Austrian Empire ruled Istria as the so called "Küstenland". After World War I and the dissolution of Austria-Hungary, Istria was given to Italy. After the end of World War II, Istria was included into Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia
Yugoslavia refers to three political entities that existed successively on the western part of the Balkans during most of the 20th century....
. After the breakup of Yugoslavia in 1991 Istria (and Gračišće) became part of modern state of Croatia. It was in Croatian state that Gračišće become the seat of Gračišće municipality.
Geography
Gračišće municipality has a surface area of 61 square kilometers.Gračišće village which is also the administrative centre of Gračišće municipality is located about 8 kilometres east of Pazin
Pazin
Pazin is the administrative seat of Istria County in Croatia. The town has a population of 4,986 , the total Pazin municipality population is 9,227...
, on the road Pazin - Kršan
Kršan
Kršan is a village and municipality in the central part of Istria, Croatia, 15 km north of Labin. The elevation is 50 m. The population is 3.264 . The chief occupation is farming. Kršan is located on the regional road Vozilići - Podpićan....
- Vozilići. It is seated on the top of the hill and it is typical medieval Istrian town. Gračišće village stands completely under monumental protection. From the old cemetery which is located in front of St. Vitus church one has a panoramic view of inner Istria up to the Učka
Ucka
The Učka is a mountain range that rises behind Opatija riviera, on the Istrian peninsula, in northwestern Croatia. It forms a single morphological unit together with the Čičarija range which streches from the bay of Trieste to Rijeka...
mountain range (1402m), Julian Alps
Julian Alps
The Julian Alps are a mountain range of the Southern Limestone Alps that stretches from northeastern Italy to Slovenia, where they rise to 2,864 m at Mount Triglav. They are named after Julius Caesar, who founded the municipium of Cividale del Friuli at the foot of the mountains...
and Dolomites
Dolomites
The Dolomites are a mountain range located in north-eastern Italy. It is a part of Southern Limestone Alps and extends from the River Adige in the west to the Piave Valley in the east. The northern and southern borders are defined by the Puster Valley and the Sugana Valley...
.
Between Gračišće an Pićan lies the protected landscape (1475 ha, protected from 1973) with unusual geological characteristics. Diverse landscape has been formed by erosion of marl, sandstone and limestone deposits with brook valleys formed in marl and hills formed from harder limestone which dominate the surrounding landscape.
Demographics
According to the 2001 census in CroatiaCroatia
Croatia , officially the Republic of Croatia , is a unitary democratic parliamentary republic in Europe at the crossroads of the Mitteleuropa, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. Its capital and largest city is Zagreb. The country is divided into 20 counties and the city of Zagreb. Croatia covers ...
, the whole of Gračišće Municipality has 1433 inhabitants, while the settlement of Gračišće itself has 467 inhabitants. The ethnic composition of the Municipality is 82.07% Croats
Croats
Croats are a South Slavic ethnic group mostly living in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and nearby countries. There are around 4 million Croats living inside Croatia and up to 4.5 million throughout the rest of the world. Responding to political, social and economic pressure, many Croats have...
, 15.91% others, and 0.35% Italians.
Economy
The economy of Gračišće municipality is mostly based on agriculture (grapes, wheat, fruits) and raising livestock (cattle, pigs) and smaller part of its population is employed in service sector (PazinPazin
Pazin is the administrative seat of Istria County in Croatia. The town has a population of 4,986 , the total Pazin municipality population is 9,227...
). In recent times some rural tourism is emerging.
Architecture
Gračišće/Gallignana town has several interesting landmarks including The Church of The Mother of God at the Square(Croatian: Crkva majke božje na placu) which was built in 1425, small Church of St. Anthony of Padova and The Church of St. Euphemia built in 1383. In St. Eufemia church there is very impressive crucifix from the 13th century and golden baroqueBaroque
The Baroque is a period and the style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, literature, dance, and music...
altar. The successive reconstruction of St. Eufemia church did not change the essential characteristics of its medieval architecture. Many residential houses were built in 15. century as dates which are inscribed on the portals show. In the Middle Ages it was encircled by fortifications and one of the towers and main municipal gates are still standing today.
The parish church of St. Vitus was built in 1769. In Gračišće you can also see the Palace of Solomon, the only example of a Gothic residence in this part of Istria
Istria
Istria , formerly Histria , is the largest peninsula in the Adriatic Sea. The peninsula is located at the head of the Adriatic between the Gulf of Trieste and the Bay of Kvarner...
. Summer seat of the Pićan
Pican
Pićan is a village and municipality in the central part of Istria, Croatia, 12 km southeast of Pazin; elevation 360 m. The chief occupations are agriculture and livestock breeding. It is situated on the Pazin-Kršan-Vozilići regional road...
bishop was also located in Gračišće.