Zavrsje a Semi Abandoned Medieval Town -

Zavrsje is a place where time stood still. Just a handful of houses are occupied, those that aren’t at crumbling and have fallen into decay. A walk through this small settlement felt like I was stepping back in time.

The town feels mystic and captivating with walls of its houses adorned and covered in creeping ivy. It’s intriguing to ponder how life can slowly fade from certain places. Judging by the number of churches, it’s evident that it was once a significant settlement in the past.

Zavrsje sits ontop of a hill 240m above the Mirna river valley, between Grožnjan and Oprtalj in Croatia. Its medieval landscape is adorned by the leaning tower and the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Holy Rosary, whose invaluable chalice from 1476 is currently displayed in the Louvre.

**Abandoned stone buildings, narrow streets, and remnants of medieval fortifications**

Settlement

Based on historical discoveries, Završje occupies the site of a prehistoric hillfort, indicating continuous habitation since ancient times. Its earliest documented mention dates back to the 11th century, when it was known as Piemonte.

It shares a complex and diverse history with numerous other towns and villages in Istria. It has been ruled by the Romans, Habsburgs, Venetians, Italian nobility, and briefly under Napoleon, before returning to Habsburg control within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Subsequently, it became part of Italy, then Yugoslavia, and is now within modern-day Croatia.

**Zavrsje is a picturesque medieval town located in the Istria region of Croatia**

Over the centuries, the settlement flourished under various rulers, reaching its zenith during the 16th century under the governance of the Venetian family of Giustignano Contarini.

Following their acquisition of Završje and Kostanjica at an auction, the Contarini family held dominion over these territories for the ensuing three centuries, overseeing their growth and development.

In the era of Austrian and Italian control, the town boasted a post office, a school, two stores, an olive oil mill, and various other businesses.

Foundations

The village was encircled by a dual ring of walls, fragments of which are still visible in certain areas, featuring two gates, of which only the southern one has endured.

**Like much of Istria, Završje was once under Venetian rule, which has significantly influenced its architectural and cultural heritage.**

Following the construction of the narrow-gauge railway known as Parenzana during the Austrian era, Završje experienced a period of prosperity. Under both Austrian and Italian governance, significant enhancements took place within the village, including the establishment of a school, a post office, and an oil mill, alongside the opening of various shops and artisanal enterprises.

Following the conclusion of the Second World War, Završje became integrated into the Federal People’s Republic of Yugoslavia. Economic and political shifts during this period prompted a significant exodus towards Trieste. From the 90 families residing in Završje at the time, the village now boasts a mere 39 permanent residents according to the 2021 census.

Sight Seeing in Završje

Castle: Constructed in the 11th century, the castle holds a significant place in Završje’s history. It served as the residence of the esteemed Contarini family, known for their noble lineage. Comprising both residential quarters and farm buildings surrounding a central courtyard, the castle offers visitors a glimpse into medieval aristocratic life.

Contarini palace - Built in the 11th century. Now totally abandoned — **Contarini palace – Built in the 11th century. Now totally abandoned**

**One of the entrances into the palace**

Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary: Dating back to the 16th century, this church is a marvel of architecture and religious art. Visitors can admire a stunning wooden statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the Child, a 16th-century stone statue of the Seated Madonna, and a collection of liturgical vessels spanning from the 15th to the 18th century.

**It is very sad that the town is almost deserted but give us a unique glimpse into medieval life**

Notably, a prized chalice dating back to 1476, once owned by the Rotschild family, is now showcased in the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Leaning Tower: Standing adjacent to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Holy Rosary, this Romanesque bell tower stands at an impressive height of 22 meters. Its distinctive feature lies in its lean, tilting 40 centimeters to the north. Historically, the tower housed guards who kept watch from its conical roof.

**A 22 m tall Romanesque bell tower leans 40 cm to the north.**

Parish Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Dating back to 1792, the Parish Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary boasts a wealth of architectural and artistic treasures.

Its interior features pairs of side chapels, a dome ceiling above the shrine, and several altarpieces from the 18th century. Additionally, visitors can admire an organ dating back to 1740 and paintings by Gildo de Troya, created in 1923.

**Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 1792**

Wall Remnants and Town Gates: The remnants of the double ring of walls have endured through the ages. The Romanesque southern town gate underwent reconstruction in 1879 and received a comprehensive renovation in 2002.

Remarkably well-preserved, it proudly displays the coat-of-arms of the Contarini family and a relief from the Roman era depicting figures from Greek and Roman mythologies, such as Ariadne and Bacchus.