Pazin Castle

Pazin Castle rises on a cliff above the Pazinčica sinkhole and was first recorded in a 983 charter of Emperor Otto II. Its irregular rectangular complex encloses a courtyard and bears the marks of centuries of rebuilding, reflecting both the defensive and residential roles of the former seat of the County of Pazin. Damaged during the Venetian-Habsburg war, it was adapted in the 16th century to improve defence and living conditions. Since 1962, the castle has housed the Ethnographic Museum of Istria, presenting objects of traditional life on the peninsula; the Pazin Town Museum is also here. It stands on Trg Istarskog razvoda, immediately beside the chasm.