About Raša – the Youngest Little Town in Istria
Raša, the youngest little town in Istria, which dates from 1937, tells a unique story of mining. Nestled among green hills, it captivates with its distinctive architecture. At the heart of the town, you can find a spacious square, dominated by the Church of St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners. Raša’s mining heritage sets it apart from other towns in Istria, making it truly distinctive. With its charming architecture and a preserved moment in history, it is a gem for heritage lovers. The mining past is woven into every step you take in Raša, and its rich heritage is authentically showcased at the Arsiana’s centre, a small mining museum.
A Step Back in Time at Arsiana’s Museum
Located on Raša’s square, the museum offers visitors an intimate experience of the former work and life of Raša’s miners. The very entrance to the museum is impressive. A mining shaft is vividly recreated, with the symbolism of underground life emphasised by the contrast of darkness and light. Photographs of miners’ faces and numerous mining artefacts provide visitors with an authentic experience of the mine’s atmosphere. Visitors immerse themselves in the interior, reliving the miners’ reality of their everyday life, not only in the mines but in the miner’s apartment, offering insights into daily life during the mining era.
Walking along the original tracks is a one-of-a-kind sensation, while video projections on screens transport visitors to the past. Archival films capture visual moments from a historical period, making you part of an extraordinary story, especially when you watch the film “Stories of Miners”, which will not leave you tearless. Through images and sound, visitors learn about Raša’s history and its inauguration. Sound effects evoke the feel of real explosions in the mine and the digging of coal, offering a fully immersive experience and a striking sense of the mining atmosphere.
Mine Tour Experience – A Day in the Life of a Raša Miner
The “Kova Experience” is a unique guided tour that takes visitors to the rich mining heritage of Raša, allowing them to experience a day in the life of a Raša miner. Throughout the experience, visitors can explore the underground tunnel, learn about mining techniques and witness preserved tools from that period, but also about challenges miners faced, the camaraderie among them and the roles of women in mining communities.
Visitors are advised to wear appropriate footwear suitable for outdoor activity and light jackets since the constant air temperature is 12°C degrees. The additional equipment can be borrowed (rubber boots EU size 38 to 45, a headlamp, a helmet, and a reflective vest). Entry is at one’s own risk and is not permitted for children under 9 years old or retirees with lower physical fitness. The tour is not recommended for individuals with claustrophobia, respiratory or heart conditions, or those with lower psycho-physical readiness.
The tour also includes a walk through Raša to explore how its mining past is reflected in the town’s architecture, a visit to a small Arsiana museum, and a photo opportunity at a designated point. Guests receive an authentic ceramic mining souvenir as a keepsake.
So we can only say “Sretno!”(meaning “Good luck!”), which is a traditional greeting used by miners in Raša. This greeting reflects the camaraderie and mutual support shared by miners, whose work is dangerous and filled with uncertainties.
Wine Tasting at Family Estate Juričić
The winery Juričić is owned by Mr Lari Juričić, and it is located in the village of Bartići, just 3 kilometres from the old town of Labin. The location is very picturesque, and you will immediately fall in love with the view of olive groves, lavender fields and of course, vineyards.
The winery produces approximately 40 to 50,000 litres of wine annually. The labels they are currently present on the market are Malvasia, Chardonnay, Teran, Merlot, Merlot Rose, yellow muscat and two special labels: Crno Zloto and St. Barbara.
The last two labels belong to a line of barrique wines, which is a limited series, and they decided to launch it to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Labin Republic, which the people of Labin marked in March 2021. For this very reason, the wines also have symbolic names: St. Barbara – the patron saint of miners, and Crno Zloto – a term for coal.
The hosts will make you feel as if you were at home. While tasting exquisite wines, they will be paired with exquisite local food such as cheese from a family farm in Dol near Labin, Juričič olive oil, truffles, and prosciutto. But let the picture talk for itself!
First Disc Golf Course in Istria – Terra Malvasia
Moreover, visitors can enjoy the first disc golf course in Istria which is an urban and environmentally friendly version of golf. It uses the same concept as golf with a ball but it uses different equipment – plastic discs, commonly known as frisbees which have to be thrown towards specially designed baskets. It is played by children and by adults.
While on the one hand, it can be a recreational sport for locals, this disc golf course is a tourist attraction for the Labin area since the sport is very popular in the USA, Canada, North and West Europe, who will travel during the winter months to enjoy the milder climate.
An escape and relaxation from everyday life is guaranteed at the Wines Juričić family estate making it an excellent day trip option for guests staying at Valamar hotels in Rabac. The combination of adventure and relaxation in good company is a guarantee for an unforgettable day in Istria.
