Barbariga

Barbariga is situated 15 km north-west of Vodnjan-Dignano. It was named after a noble Venetian family Barbarigo who had properties in this area.
The surrounding area was densely populated in the ancient times that is evidenced by numerous archeological findings-rests on the coast as well as in the hinterland. Among the ruins of the still existing ancient houses, this area also yielded remains of a large wool production and fabric dyeing plant, the most important oilery in Istria in the 4th century and two large villae rusticae with polychrome marble mosaics. The remains of a Roman villa from the 1st century were found on the coast and in the immediate vicinity the remains of an ancient oil mill for processing olives.

At one moment the oil mill had as many as ten pairs, that is, twenty presses that represent a unique case of a location with such production possibilities. Within the oil mill there are numerous remains of the basin for oil sedimentation, the bottoms of which were made from little ceramic tiles placed in fishbone shape.
The above mentioned proves that even at that time olives were grown in this area, so do the numerous findings from which we will mention only few.

On the coast, half way to Peroj, there is Dragonera where archeologists have recently discovered the remains of a villa from 1st-4th century. Also, the remains of an agricultural building were found, with a warehouse, oil mill, oil separation basin etc. The mosaics found in the agricultural building show that it was the villa of a Roman aristocrat.
In 2004, south of the Marić bay, a number of stone blocks were found. They were used as shims for presses in olive processing. And the remains of the ancient rural locality were found in the bay. Some 300 m from the sea, in the hinterland of the bay, there is a rural locality site with the remains of stone basins for oil sedimentation, one of which has been completely preserved. Within this site the remains of a water reservoir were found as well.

In the Middle Ages Cape Barbariga was named Cape Cissana after the legendary town of Cissa, sunken in the 8th century. There are also other archaeological sites, as well as remains of the pre-historic hill-fort Mandriola and the Early Christian three-aisled basilica of St. Andrew with mosaics, sarcophagi, and stone reliefs from the 7th century.
Tourists and bathers often visit Barbariga bay with its beach and quay. Between Peroj and Barbariga lies the old basilica of St. Foška (9th – 11th centuries), often visited by pilgrims and artists.

There is a significant number of seasonal tourists, as well as restaurants and taverns offering a fine selection of fish. This beautiful area offers cultural and religious itineraries, sports activities, hunting and fishing.