Roč

The medieval town of Roc is highly visible as it sits upon a 334 meter high mountain in the middle of the fertile, green landscapes of central Istria. Roc has only 170 inhabitants, but it is only 8 kilometers away from the major city of Buzet. The town owes its special charm to the fascinating medieval architecture that has dominated the town for centuries in its virtually unchanged form.

The bell tower dating back to the 15th century dominates the entire city. This bell tower belongs to the largest of the three churches in Roc: St. Bartholomew's Church, whose impression is somewhat detracted from by the modern art sculptures in front of the church, was built in 1676. Probably the most important building is the Church of Sveti Rok, originally from the 12th century, with its beautiful frescoes from the 14th century. In the small, dating back to the 12th century Church of St. Anthony, visitors will be treated with a special attraction, something both Roc as well as neighboring Hum are famous for: a Glagolitic monument. Here you can visit the carved Glagolitic Abecedarium on the votive cross.

The Glagolitic alphabet was developed by the Byzantine scholar Cyril, and eventually became the first Slavic alphabet. This almost forgotten writing is only preserved today in the towns of Roc and Hum. The history of the development of this alphabet is mapped out along a seven kilometer long trail between Roc and Hum that addresses the most important historical points at different stations along the way.