Located in the gentle, rolling hills of inland Istria, the tiny village of Bačva carries a history as textured and enduring as the vineyards that have shaped this land for centuries. Just a few kilometres south of Višnjan and northeast of Poreč, Bačva is a living testament to the rural traditions, art, and agricultural spirit of this remarkable region.

At the heart of Bačva’s heritage stands the striking 12-century Church of St. James (Crkva Sv. Jakova) – a magical stone chapel. Inside these simple walls lies one of Istria’s hidden artistic treasures, a richly layered cycle of frescoes from the 16th century, attributed to the workshop of the notable painter Dominic of Udine. These frescoes depict scenes from the life of Christ, a powerful Annunciation on the triumphal arch, and a dramatic representation of God the Father at the apex of the apse – vivid imagery that speaks to faith, folk belief and the deep creative roots of the local community. Among these scenes is a remarkable figure symbolizing Holy Sunday, a visual reminder from centuries past about the value of rest and reverence that once guided daily life here.

Today, Bačva remains a tiny, intimate village with a handful of residents. Its gently cultivated fields, olive groves and vineyards echo with generations of labour and local knowledge. While visitors may come for art and serenity, the rhythms of agriculture and wine culture are woven into the very identity of this land—reflecting centuries of winemaking traditions that define Istria as much as its medieval stone churches and ancient roadways.