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| Lim Fiord |
North of Rovinj, about a 20 minute car-ride away (see
map), one of the most beautiful natural resources of
the Istrian peninsula, Lim Bay, is located, also known
under the name of the Lim channel of the Lim fiord. Of
course, both expressions are incorrect since the geological
beginnings are interpreted through the erosive activity
of the Pazincica, a rivulet that now is in its largest
part a small gulf.
Lim Fiord is part of the 35 km long Lim Valley (Draga),
that stretches almost to the center of Istria, to the town
of Pazin. The Fiord itself is a little bit longer than 10
km, it is 30 meters deep and its widest part is around 600
meters wide. From both sides very steep mountains rise, in
some parts even up tp 100 meters.
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| Lim Fiord |
The water in the bay is partly brackish, because of its
underwater sources of sweet water and it is thus suitable
for the growth of plant and animal life and it is also a
well-known fish and oyster farm (oysters, mussels, giltheads,
sea basses.). All these delicacies can be tasted in two restaurants
on the very coast of the bay.
The bay surroundings are very interesting, the plant covering
is lush and diverse, reaching from evergreen to deciduous
trees, where various wild animals live, such as boars, fox,
badgers, some roe deers and birds like hawks, buzzards, owls.
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| Free climbing near Lim Fiord |
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Free climbing lovers will find a suitable cliff on the northern
side, where during the summer time fans of this extreme sport
are doing their daily climbing tour.
The historical background of Lim Fiord is interesting for
various reasons. Even before Christ, the Illyrians were building
their colonies, the Illyrian forts, on the surrounding mountains.
On the southern side, nearby the quayside and the restaurant,
some hundred meters high, Romualdo's cave is located, where
during the 11th century and later chuch ceremonies were held.
Tradition has it that Romualdo was a priest who lived the
life of a hermit, and the foundation of the nearby located
Benidictine monastery St. Michael is also credited to him.
Two years ago the cave was cleaned and opened for public,
including the possibility of an organized visit with a guide.
The very name of Lim has its origin in the Latin word «Limes» (border),
since as far back as during the Roman Empire the valley divided
two of the Roman provinces at that time, the today's cities
of Poreč and Pula. Forty years ago, a movie on Vikings was
made here, «The Vikings», with Kirk Douglas in the leading
role. Closeby, Dvigrad is located, a small mediaeval town
which is certainly worth a visit.
Lim Fiord has protected landscape status and thus the driving
of motor crafts, fishing or diving is strictly forbidden.
Text: Slobodan
Hercigonja
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