PAZIN-Beram ,Lindar

BERAM is located on a hill ten kilometers from Pazin toward Porec. In the 19th century, a prehistoric necropolis at the base of the settlement was studied that yiealded valuable archeological findings. In the Middle Ages, Beram was surrounded by bulwarks and a great defensive tower was built in the center. In 1431 at the base of this tower, the Late gothic church of St. Martin (sveti Martin) was built. This church was decorated with frescoes that have been preserved in the eastern part of the new parish church (built at the beginning of this century since the old church was incorporated within the new monumental building). Sv. Marija na Skrilinah

Approximately 1.5 km from Beram is one of the most famous cultural and artistic landmarks in Istria - the cemetery church of St. Mary (sveta Marija na Skrilinah). It was built in the Middle Ages and baroque remodelling contributed to its present appearance.

The interior of the church is ornamented by the most significiant Istrian mural cycle - frescoes painted by Vincent of Kastav in 1474. The forty fields show sequences from the life of Mary and Christ, the figures of individual saints and symbolic scenes The most space is occupied by a colorful procession, the Adoration of the Kings, on the northern wall, and the allegorical Dance of death, on the western wall..

The cycle of frescoes in the Church of St. Mary shows all the characteristics of the art of the border territory where influences from the south and north merge. Models of folk simplicity are incorporated in a unique narration. In this work, Vincent of Kastav was joined by assistants.
During the remodelling of the church in the early 18th century, some of the paintings disappeared from the sanctuary of were damaged when new windows were installed. With time, the frescoes by Vincent of Kastav and his assistants became covered by mortar, to be rediscovered in 1913 and exhibited to the public.

LINDAR is located on the elevation over Pazin. Like many Istrian towns, it was protected by bulwarks and towers. The present parish church of SS. Hermagoras and Fortunatus (sveti Mohor i Fortunat) dates from the 17th century (built in 1606 and later remodelled). The smaller church of SS. Fabian and Sebastian (sveti Fabian i Sebastian) is somewhat older - the Glagolitic inscription over the entrance states that it was built in 1559.
The most valuabel artistic achievement in Lindar is the Gothic Church of st. Catherine (sveta Katarina). Located near the entrance to the settlement, it contains a fresco painted in 1409. The motif of the fresco is the Living cross , a rare allegorical subject not found anywhere else. In the old part of Lindar are beautiful examples of autochthonous residental architecture.