forts around čepić field

Start exploring the largest drained lake located at the foot of the western and southwestern slopes of Učka. The great Lake Čepić was rich in freshwater fish way back in 1932, and today it is a fertile Čepić Field. The western slopes of the Učka massif were a real lifeline of this area back in Roman times, connecting the cities and provinces of that period. The ancient Roman road known as the Liburnian Road (Via Liburnica) connected ancient Histria and Liburnia, i.e. central Istria and the Kvarner Bay.

The cycling route stretches from Vozilići, along the southeastern part of Čepić Field, to the small village of Faldovija. From there a slight ascent begins towards the old town of Kožljak, located on a steep cliff at 185 m altitude, the remains of which stand as incessant guards of Čepić Field. It is a medieval fortress built in the early 12^th century, which changed its rulers over the years – from the counts of Gorizia, the Venetians, to the Patriarch of Aquileia and the Austrians. Dive into the rich and turbulent past that the citadel tells and reward yourself with the scenery of the fertile valley interwoven with fields.

The ride continues with a steeper and more demanding ascent towards Plominska gora. A landscape full of colours and scents of wild plants will invigorate your soul and body, so indulge in the moment and the picturesque views of Plomin Bay, Čepić Field and the slopes of Učka. These slopes are also habitats of rare plant species such as the Istrian bellflower (Campanula istriaca), and the habitat of a large number of bats.

What follows is a well-earned descent towards Plomin, one of the oldest Istrian settlements dominated by the old Plomin citadel (Italian: Fianona). The picturesque fortified town, located on a hill above the deep and shielded Plomin Bay, is surrounded by medieval ramparts and protective walls. One of the features of this town is the bell tower of the Romanesque Church of St. George, also known for the Plomin tablet, a Glagolitic inscription that dates back to the 11^th century.

After sightseeing, descend to Plomin Luka at the bottom of Plomin Bay, where the prehistoric Roman harbour was probably located. Nowadays, the champion of economic development of this town is the Plomin Thermal Power Plant, which is dominated by a 340 m high chimney, the tallest structure in Croatia.

Don't miss a visit to the tunnel through which Lake Čepić was drained, and find out the story of its drying up. Finally, you will have a slight ascent along the small village of Stepčići to the main road to Labin, after which you will return to the starting point in Vozilići.