Hrastovlje
Hrastovlje, 6275
Deep in the hinterland of Slovenia’s Istrian coast lies the small village of Hrastovlje. Set among hillside vineyards, the village is mainly known for its Holy Trinity Church, which was built in the 14th century and where you can still see original Gothic frescoes—including a well-preserved danse macabre. The 3-nave church sits behind a high defensive wall from the 16th century.
The basics
While the main focus of a visit to the Hrastovlje is going to be the Holy Trinity Church, there’s more of the village for tourists to enjoy. Other landmarks include a 17th-century homestead closer to the village center, but there’s also just the general character of Hrastovlje, with its stone houses and narrow, scenic lanes.
You can experience Hrastovlje on tours that take you into the Istrian countryside for the day, or incorporate a visit into your own driving tour while exploring the region of Slovene Istria.
Things to know before you go
Visiting the Holy Trinity Church is only available upon request and requires calling the church’s caretaker during business hours.
City streets in Hrastovlje are narrow, often only one lane wide, so visitors are advised to drive with caution while in the village.
There are two restaurants in the village open for lunch and dinner, but they’re only open on certain days, so it’s best to check their opening hours in advance.
How to get there
While there is a Hrastovlje train station on the outskirts of the village, you’ll find that there are only a few train connections in the afternoon, making it not particularly helpful. Driving is the only viable way of reaching Hrastovlje and involves taking either Dekani or Stepani roads off the A1 motorway towards Kubed or Loka, and then the Hrastovlje road to reach the village.
When to get there
With its location among the green countryside of the Istrian peninsula, Hrastovlje is best visited during the warmer months of Slovenia’s spring and summer. It’s a small destination, and you won’t have to worry about large crowds of tourists, making it a nice choice to escape the much busier coast. Attractions and local establishments are also much more likely to be open during these months.
Villages of Slovene Istria
Look beyond the larger towns on Slovenia’s coast, and you’ll discover the region of Slovene Istria is filled with villages to explore. Besides Hrastovlje, you can visit Socerb, with its medieval castle and nearby Holy Cave; Osp, one of the oldest villages in the region and a rock climbing hot spot; and Krkavče, home to a stone monolith with pagan carvings—just to name a few.
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