117 The protected landscapes of Lisina and Zvonejske njivi (Zvoneća fields)

Distance: 30 km

Altitude change: 570 m

 

Route 117 stretches over 30 kilometres with a total elevation gain of 560 metres. It begins in the village of Rukavac, at the parking area and continues towards Gornji Rukavac and the protected area of Lisina. The trail then follows the old Žejane – Bukvina – Zvoneća road to the area above the village of Perka, where it turns towards the Zvonejske Njivi terraces. Located near the village of Zvoneća in the municipality of Matulji, the Zvonejske Njivi are a lesser-known yet remarkably impressive example of rural architectural heritage, often compared to the better-known stone terraces of Bakar. They were created between the 15th and 17th centuries through the diligent work of generations of local farmers, who shaped approximately sixty hectares of rocky terrain into dry-stone terraces at elevations between 300 and 450 metres above sea level. Although only part of the area is still cultivated today, the dry-stone walls remain present across most of the landscape—well preserved on maintained plots and gradually yielding to nature on abandoned ones. For centuries, these terraces were the centre of local viticulture, most notably associated with the indigenous Jarbola grape variety, which has been cultivated in this area for more than one hundred years. Their significance was officially recognized in 1994, when they were entered into the register of protected cultural heritage sites, confirming their importance as both a cultural and natural asset. It is importante to highlight that Jarbola grows exclusively in the area of Zvoneća, making it truly unique in the world.From the viewpoint, visitors can admire this striking monument to human labour and the protected terraces, after which the route gently descends along a gravel road towards the village of Zvoneća. Along the way, the trail follows paths that have echoed for centuries with the bells of the traditional bell ringers, and passes through Breški Dol, a sinkhole that further enriches the experience of this unique landscape.