Roman Villas, Istria Travel Guide

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Explore ancient Roman luxury at Vižula Archaeological Park in Medulin, a peninsula of history, culture, and immersive experiences.

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Explore the Vižula Archaeological Park in Medulin, a 26-hectare peninsula showcasing remains from the Neolithic period to the Middle Ages. Discover the ruins of a luxurious Roman villa, wander through an ancient garden, and enjoy the multimedia experience with VR goggles.

A brief summary to Roman Villas

Medulin, 52203, HR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Roman Villas.

Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the large archaeological site.
Rent VR goggles at the info point to visualize the ancient Roman villa in its full glory.
Visit during the summer months to enjoy the full range of activities and events in the park.

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Explore Roman Villas on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Roman Villas, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the center of Medulin, the Vižula Archaeological Park is easily accessible on foot. Follow the coastal path eastwards; the entrance to the park will be clearly signposted. The walk is approximately 15-20 minutes. There are no costs involved.
Public Transport

Local buses connect Medulin with nearby towns such as Pula. From the Medulin bus station, the archaeological park is approximately a 15-minute walk. A single bus fare within Medulin is around €1.50 - €2.00.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Medulin, particularly during the peak tourist season. A taxi ride from the town center to the entrance of Vižula Archaeological Park will cost approximately €10-€15. Confirm the price with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about Roman Villas

Vižula Archaeological Park, located on a peninsula in the heart of Medulin, offers a captivating journey through millennia of history. This 26-hectare park reveals archaeological remains spanning from the Neolithic period to Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages.The highlight of Vižula is the remains of an ancient Roman villa, one of the most opulent maritime residences on the eastern Adriatic coast during the Roman Empire. Characterized by its grand scale, elaborate architecture, and exquisite details like mosaics and marble, the villa offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of its former inhabitants. Archaeological research indicates that the villa may have been an imperial palace during the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. The villa had features such as a system for warming water and air, and a floor central heating system.The park is designed as a multimedia experience for all ages. Visitors can explore an ancient garden showcasing horticulture from the Roman era. For a more immersive experience, VR goggles are available for rent, allowing visitors to visualize the restored ancient villa. The park also includes amenities such as bars, children's playgrounds, an adrenaline park, and an archaeology school. Smart benches, an e-tree, a hotspot, interpretation boards (including Braille texts), and a tactile map enhance the visitor experience.Vižula's history extends beyond the Roman period. The peninsula has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, and served as a strategically important location in Roman times. The area was ideal for sea trade and fishing, and the Romans built luxurious villas here. The park also contains the submerged remains of the Burle necropolis, where the inhabitants of Vižula were buried from the 1st to the 6th centuries.