Cultural and Historical Sites in Labin: Guide to the Town’s Rich Heritage

Labin, a town in Croatia’s Istria, invites its visitors and travellers with the medieval architecture, industrial heritage, and the artistic atmosphere. From medieval churches and city gates to mining complexes and modern-day sculpture parks, Labin is a rich experience of history, culture and technology.

Key Takeaways

Medieval Marvels To Discover in Labin

Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Birth (1336)

This three-nave church was built in 1336, and the building was constructed on the previous 11th-century church.
Facade Highlights: It has a Gothic rosette and the Venetian lion, which was added in 1604 as a sign of Venetian domination.
Interior Adornments: Six marble altars, of which the 18th century Altar of the Transfiguration contains the remains of St. Justus brought from Rome in 1664.

Porta Sanfior (1589)

This town gate is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture that was built in 1589 with the Labin coat of arms and the Serenissima lion.
Austrian-Era Cannon: This was placed near the gate in the year 1995 as a reminder of Labin’s rich history.
Historical Gateway: Provides a spectacular entry into Labin’s old town and the opportunity to experience the history of multiple conquests.

Scampicchio Palace in Labin

Built in the 15th century and once a residence of the aristocratic Scampicchio family, this palace reminds of Labin’s noble origin. Its façade still features the family crest in the form of a bird’s wing and leg in the center of the design. The Scampicchios had a very important role in Labin; one of the town’s mayors was Antonio Scampicchio who also collected the first museum collection in Istria.

Little Theatre (Teatrino)

This yellow building located in the old town of Labin was built in the mid 19th century on the place of the former grain warehouse. The building was constructed with the help of the members of the theatre company. In the course of time the building was used for barracks and a sports hall and later on it became a cultural center which is appreciated by the locals and the tourists.

Religious Sites in Labin

Chapel of Saint Mary of Carmel

The construction of this chapel was completed in 1615 and besides being a place of worship it also serves as an art gallery as it houses the Alvona art gallery. There is a wooden altar which testifies to the fact that the chapel was used for its initial intention.

St. Andrea’s Church in Rabac

This church was built in the 15th century and is the oldest church in the neighboring tourist resort Rabac. It also serves as a glimpse into the regions religious history as it has been a place of worship for many centuries.

Mining Heritage in Labin

Labin has been a mining town for many years and the mining industry in Labin is said to have been active for about 400 years. After the First World War the mining industry had more than 10 000 employees and Labin became one of the most advanced mining areas in Europe at that time.

Labin National Museum and the Miniature Coal Mine

The Labin National Museum is located in the Baroque Battiala-Lazzarini Palace; the town’s industrial history is presented here:
Miniature Coal Mine (c. 1961 – 1964): A 150 meter long underground system that represents the working environment which provides the sense and feeling back by then.
Ethnological and Archaeological Exhibits: Tools, photographs and artefacts represent the daily life of the hard working miner.

Cultural Landmarks in Labin

Monument to the Miner-Fighter in Labin

Close to the loggia stands this imposing sculpture, composed of four crossed hammers as a tribute to the 1921 Labin Republic, considered by many historians the world’s first anti-fascist movement. Moreover, it is a symbol of the workers that stand against the oppressive labor condition, social justice and as the symbol of the revolt that lasted 37 days.
The same symbol can be found in many places in Labin, like the most prominent one is next to the main bus station.

Museums and Art in Labin

There is a museum in the old town of Labin next to the church. Some of them include the artefacts from the Roman era along with traditional clothing and items. Giuseppina Martinuzzi, the Istrian teacher and writer who advocated for workers rights, is also honoured.
For those interested in galleries and art, won’t be disappointed, because there are a few things to discover.
For nature lovers and for those who like to discover something different, the Mediterranean Sculpture Symposium and
Dubrova Sculpture Park, founded to revitalize Stancija Dubrova. The park, which is rather to be seen as an open air art gallery, is open 24/7 and there are showcased approx. 67 Istrian stone sculptures across several hectares. It is free to visit for everyone and definitely worth the visit even if it’s only for a walk with the dog or the kids.

Art Ateliers in Labin

There are about 30 artists living in Labin and the studios are located throughout the Old Town. Some popular include Alvona Gallery by Vinko Šaina, ALLEGRO Hand Made Ceramics Atelier, Labin Art Express XXI and other small galleries. Best you discover them by having a walk through the old town of Labin.
Tourists can visit these ateliers to see contemporary art in the process of creation as well as to observe it developed in the old buildings. These galleries display different types of art works from the local and international artists thus enriching Labin’s cultural life.
Thus, discovering these other cultural and historical landmarks, the visitors will be able to understand the city of Labin better, and see how it has developed from the middle ages up to the present day. Every landmark is a part of one big picture that represents this beautiful Istrian town in the most accurate way.

Conclusion

The cultural and historical attractions of Labin present a rich narrative of tenacity, creativity, and togetherness; the medieval architecture and city gates, mining heritage and modern art installations. Thus, one can walk through the centuries in a medieval church, explore subterranean mine shafts, and admire panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Labin never fails to welcome everyone who wants to experience the real Istria thus keeping the memories of every visitor who visits the place alive. Thus, it is important to ensure the sustainability in the long run through proper preservation, involvement of the community and proper visitor management in order that the cultural heritage of Labin will be preserved for more generations. The fact is that preservation creates business chances, municipal esteem, and the exchange of cultures. On the other hand, the possibility of over-serialization or over-crowding may obscure the true local color.