The Whispering Stones of Koštabona

The Slovenian countryside, with its rolling hills and ancient villages, beckoned me with a promise of stories untold. As I embarked on the Istrian Villages & Olives Tour, the air was thick with the scent of olives and the whispers of history. Koštabona, once a Roman settlement, was my first stop. The village, named after the temple dedicated to Bona Dea, seemed to breathe with the echoes of its past.

The stone architecture, reminiscent of the Soviet-era buildings I often explore, stood resilient against the passage of time. Each stone seemed to hold a secret, a fragment of a story waiting to be uncovered. As I wandered through the narrow streets, the view over the vineyards was a reminder of the village’s enduring connection to the land. The landscape, much like the urban decay I am drawn to, was a testament to the passage of time and the stories it leaves behind.

The Dance of Death in Hrastovlje

The journey continued to the village of Hrastovlje, where the Church of the Holy Trinity awaited. This 12th-century monument, with its frescoes depicting the Dance of Death, was a haunting reminder of life’s fragility. The frescoes, covering every inch of the church’s walls, told a story of life and death intertwined, much like the cities I explore, where history and decay dance together in a delicate balance.

The church, with its ancient stones and eerie silence, felt like a forgotten relic of a bygone era. As I stood within its walls, I could almost hear the whispers of those who had come before, their stories etched into the very fabric of the building. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, a moment frozen in history, much like the abandoned structures I often find myself drawn to.

The Coastal Charms of Izola

Our final destination was the coastal town of Izola, a place where the sea met the land in a harmonious embrace. The town, with its narrow streets and stone houses, was a charming contrast to the gritty urban landscapes I usually explore. Yet, beneath its picturesque facade, there was a sense of history, a story waiting to be told.

As I wandered through the harbor, the scent of the sea mingled with the aroma of freshly pressed olive oil. The taste of sun-dried tomatoes and homemade brandy was a reminder of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Izola, with its blend of history and modernity, was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Istrian people.

The Slovenian Countryside Tour was a journey through time, a glimpse into a world where history and tradition are woven into the very fabric of the land. It was a reminder that, much like the urban decay I am drawn to, there is beauty in the stories of the past, waiting to be uncovered and shared.