IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE ŠAVRINKE

NATURAL HERITAGE OF ISTRIA

“Along the same paths as the Šavrinke, water, wind, seeds, and animals also travel.”

The routes of the Šavrinke passed through a rich mosaic of villages, dry stone walls, meadows, olive groves, forest edges, and valleys. This diverse landscape sustained both human life and a wide variety of plant and animal species. Dry stone walls retained soil, marked boundaries, and created tiny habitats; meanwhile, water sources, ponds, and wetlands were precious features in a landscape where water had to be managed with great care.

On your way through Krkavče, look beyond the houses. Observe the cracks in the stone, the path edges, the ancient walls, the water, and the changing vegetation. Cultural and natural heritage are intertwined here-the landscape was shaped by the people, just as it shaped their way of life.

How many different habitats can you spot along the way?

Photo source: V. Pilon, Slovene Ethnographic Museum Photo Archives (SEM)