Peroj

Peroj - lies on the southwestern coast of Istria, north of fishing town of Fažana, half a mile from the coast. With its beautiful views of the Fažana channel and the Brijuni islands, surrounded by olive trees and vineyards and centuries old tree called ladonja located on the old square, Peroj has always been attractive for its charm. The Peroj’s coast is composed of limestone rocks and sandy beaches that extend to the bays Portić, Marić and Dragonera. In its western part, there are some unique religious buildings: the medieval church of St. Stephen, Church of St. Spiridon and Church St. Fosca. The inhabitants of Peroj are especially proud of the quality olive oil and their wines. The connection between Peroj’s inhabitants and olives has existed for centuries and its importance emphasized the former usage, by which young men were required to plant 40 olive threes before they got married. The iteresting thing of Peroj are the Montenegrins, who, 350 years after their arrival, have maintained their Orthodox faith, language and Cyrillic alphabet, which is visible on the tombstones. They cherish their customs and religious glory and speak with their archaic language. History Peroj is known ever since Roman times under the name of Praetoriolum or CASALE PETRIOLO as a famous resort. In 1197, on this place a village called Pedrol is mentioned, but there is no data on which residents lived in Peroj. In the XII century, plague and cholera appeared in Istria and destroyed its inhabitants. About two thirds of the population died in that period. Because of this tragedy, the ruling Venetian Republic tried to populate Istria as well as Peroj. Venecia tried to populate the area with peasants and artisans from Bologna, and twice with Greek families from Cypriot and the Peloponnesus, but with no success because after a short time they returned to their country. On the 21st July 1657, 15 families from Montenegro came to Peroj. The most important document of the time, which unfortunately no longer exists, is the "Peroj’s Charter", with which this village, the surrounding pastures and forests were assigned to immigrants from Montenegro "for all times to be”.