Pazin is town in Istria situated in the center of the peninsula, on a plateau surrounded by hills forming the surrounding valley. The old part of town is located over the steep cliffs where below is river Pazincica and a geological phenomenon known as Pazin Cave.
Pazin has population of approximately 9,000 inhabitants.

Pazin is the seat of the Istria County; it is located in the geographical center of the county and administrative center mostly because of historical reasons.

The town of Pazin was first mentioned in 983 as Pazin Fortress. From 12th Century town was the center of the principality and by 1374 was under the rule of Habsburgs. From 1822, by Austria, Pazin was made the administrative center of the Istria District.

During the second half of 19th Century Pazin became one of the centers of Croatian cultural revival, and has established reading room, gymnasium, and the Croatian People's home. All these institutions were abolished, when after the First World War, Pazin and Istria was occupied, and annexed by Italy.
During the Second World War, after capitulation of Italy the town was ruled by the Istria partisans who decided to attach the Istria to Croatia. This decision was confirmed by Paris peace agreement in 1947.

What to see in Pazin

The Castle of Pazin
It is the biggest and the best-preserved medieval fortress in Istria and was first mentioned in written documents in 983. A fabulous castle with a spectacular location, conquered, destroyed and rebuilt many times.

Cave of Pazin
It is the miraculous abyss which has since long ago attracted the attention of many who had a chance to see that unique work of natural forces. Renowned French writer Jules Verne dedicated the Cave of Pazin and the Castle of Pazin the main dramatic role in his novel "Mathias Sandorf". 

Ethnographic Museum of Istria
Museum is located in the medieval castle; it collects and preserves treats and presents artifacts which are in connection with life of people in Istria peninsula.

Town Museum
Museum of the City of Pazin, situated in the medieval castle, and based in 1997 deals with collecting, processing, storage and publication of the cultural and historical materials from the  Pazin and surroundings.

Church of Saint Nicholas
It was built in 1266 but few remains visible from that period as was later completely transformed in Gothic style.