Croatia - Eastern Europe - page 174

Finds

Grisia Street Standouts

Rovinj's main street is really a steep, cobbled passageway that runs from the
main square all the way up to St. Euphemia Church. It is lined with shops
and galleries and buildings that still sport vestiges of the town's medieval
roots. Galerija Peti-Bozi5 at no. 22 is one of the most pleasant and most
interesting. This tiny shop specializes in Croatian naive art created by Mar-
ija Peti-Bozi5, who has shown her work in galleries and museums in Zagreb
and elsewhere in Europe. Most of Peti-Bozi5's work is oil on glass, typical of
the Hlebine School. The shop is run by the artist's jovial husband, who will
proudly rattle off his wife's accomplishments as well as wrap your purchases
securely for travel.
Another Grisia Street shop worth a stop is no. 37, where award-winning
artist Olga Vicel creates naive art in another medium—embroideries using
silk thread on linen. Framed pieces run 50 ($60-$600). Galerija

Peti-Bozi5, Grisia 22 ( & 091/578-65-28 ), is usually open Easter through Octo-
ber 8am to 10pm daily. (Call to confirm opening hours.)
August is officially the month of Grisia's art celebration; during this
month, shops and restaurants remain open as long as there are people in
the streets.

€ to 500 €

service industry, idyllic vineyards and olive groves, and blatant commercialism. Old
Town's immaculate cobblestone streets, precisely clipped plantings, multilingual signs,
plus enough jewelry stores and gelaterias for every tourist in Croatia are the draw.
It's no mystery why visitors love Pore c : It has a sophisticated tourism infrastructure
that lets everyone have a good time without feeling hassled. Pore c is conveniently con-
nected to transportation for exploring the Istrian Riviera or interior.
GETTING THERE & GETTING AROUND
Pore c is just 42km (26 miles) north of Rovinj and a stop on Istria's coastal bus route.
(Go to www.autotrans.hr and click on the Istra-Promet button at the bottom of the
page for schedules and timetables.) If you are driving, allow 45 minutes for the trip
from Rovinj because you will have to go around the Limski Fjord. Pore c 's Old Town
is easy to navigate on foot, though its end-to-end shopping opportunities might slow
you down. City buses serve the Lanterna complex south of town (the bus station is
.5km/ 1 ⁄ 4 mile from the town center) as well as nearby spots like Tar, but a car is neces-
sary if you want to stay in one of the charming family-run inns outside the center or
if you want to explore the surrounding area.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Pore c knows how to make visitors feel at home. The Pore c Tourist Information
Office (Zagreba c ka 11; & 052/434-983; www.istra.com/porec) can provide maps
and brochures as well as leads on available accommodations and events. It is open 8am
to 10pm Monday to Saturday all year and 9am to 1pm and 6 to 10pm Sundays dur-
ing July and August. Atlas Travel Agency (Eufrazijeva 63; & 052/434-983; www.
atlas.hr) can arrange excursions, hotels, private accommodations, and airline reserva-
tions. It is also the local American Express agent. Di Tours (Prvomajska 2;