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Barban is a small historical village situated on the plateau separating the
Labin from Pula area. Ancient Romans used to live in the prehistoric hill-fort.
Throughout history Barban had a strategical position dominating the high ground
and controlling the valley and the bridge on the Raa river.
Gradually, the village developed into the fortified castle with round and square
towers, defensive walls and big and small town gates as well as the citadel. In
1535 it was bought from the counts of Pazin by the Venetian noble family
Loredans whose members, although living in Barban only temporary and represented
by the captain, pulled it down and built the palace and the parish church of St.
Nicholas. In front of the big town gates there is a small stony church of St.
Anthony the Monk from the 15th century which interior is covered with
frescoes.
The most renowned historical person of Barban is a canon Pietro Stancovich
(1771-1852), the author of the book 'Biographies of distinguished Istrians'
where he immortalized 478 Istrian leading figures.
Today Barban is well known for its knightly game Trka na prstenac (the race for
the ring), the feast of wine and the fig festival.
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