Dvigrad

Dvigrad is an abandoned medieval town in central Istria, western Croatia. It sits in the Draga valley near Kanfanar and is one of the best-preserved ghost towns on the peninsula. Its name roughly means "Twin Town", and the ruins still let you read the layout of the old settlement.

Why visit Dvigrad?

Few places in Istria show so clearly what life in a medieval town looked like. Dvigrad was not destroyed by the wars that swept across the peninsula. Its people simply left, which is why the town gates, two rings of defensive walls, some of the defensive towers and the remains of most of its roughly 200 houses still stand. Walking among stone walls overgrown with vegetation gives the place a quiet, slightly eerie atmosphere.

What is the history of Dvigrad?

Settlement here goes back to prehistoric times, and the town remained inhabited until the 18th century. Its origins lie in two settlements: Moncastello and Castel Parentino. The southern Castel Parentino was abandoned early, and Moncastello became the core of what was collectively called Dvigrad. Under Aquileian rule the town developed further under the name Duecastelli (Italian for "two castles"). The church of St. Sophia already existed in the 11th century.

The decline was gradual. In 1631 most of the roughly 700 inhabitants left in search of better living conditions, including in nearby Kanfanar. The last three families departed in 1714, and the church was abandoned at the same time. The town has stood empty ever since.

What will you see on site?

• Town gates: the old entrances, a good place to start exploring.
• Two rings of walls: they show how the settlement was laid out for defence.
• Defensive towers: some of them have survived.
• House remains: most of the roughly 200 buildings keep at least the outline of their walls.
• Church of St. Sophia: a site with more than a thousand years of tradition, abandoned in 1714.

Is Dvigrad protected?

Yes. The Regional Programme for Cultural and Natural Heritage in South East Europe is working to preserve and partly reconstruct the town. This keeps the ruins from fading into total neglect and the site open to visitors.

How to plan your visit

Dvigrad lies in the interior of Istria near Kanfanar, so it combines easily with exploring other towns on the peninsula. Wear comfortable shoes, because the ground is uneven and stone surfaces can be slippery. Walking the walls and lanes at an unhurried pace usually takes one to two hours. Try to come outside the hottest hours of the day, since there is little shade among the ruins. Photographers will find early morning and late afternoon best, when the light brings out the texture of the stone.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Dvigrad? In the Draga valley in central Istria, close to Kanfanar, Croatia.

Why was the town abandoned? Residents left gradually in search of better conditions. In 1631 most of about 700 people moved away, and in 1714 the last three families followed.

How long was Dvigrad inhabited? Until the 18th century, although settlement here dates back to prehistoric times.

What does the name Dvigrad mean? Roughly "Twin Town", referring to the two former settlements, Moncastello and Castel Parentino.

Are many buildings preserved? Yes. You can see the gates, two wall circuits, some towers and the remains of most of the roughly 200 houses.