Kastav: old town with a view
Just northwest of Rijeka, Kastav sits on a 365 m hill. Its small old town is quiet and charming, with one of the finest views over Kvarner Bay.
What to see:
• Holy Trinity church from the 14th century, where some of the region’s oldest Glagolitic texts were found.
• The Baroque parish church of St Helen from 1709 – the terrace in front is a superb viewpoint.
• The loggia of 1571 and the town gate of 1731.
• The remains of Crekvina, a church never completed, now fronted by an art installation.
• Lokvina square with an artists’ studio.
A piece of legal history:
The Kastav Statute is dated 1400 and shows the town was already an administrative centre.
Wine and festivals:
Kastav is home to Belica, a white blend. Taste it at Bela nedeja on the first Sunday of October. In summer the Kastav Cultural Summer brings concerts into the lanes.
Tip: afterwards, walk the forest path around Kastav or head to the viewpoint with the two cisterns.