Marezige
Meet the Land of Refosco, the land of friendly and hospitable Istrian people, the land of the blackest of all black wines. The name of the village Marezige comes from the Latin word "mara," which indicates the early settlement of these places.
Marezige - vibrant history and present tourism.
In Marezige and its surroundings, various noble families from Koper and the church once held their possessions.
The Church of the Holy Cross was first mentioned in the 9th century. It was remodeled and baroque-ified in 1756, and in 1870, a choir was added.
Marezige used to be a place of developed trade fairs, where products such as wood, canvas, and pottery were sold, with a primary focus on agricultural activities. The locals still engage in olive growing and intensively cultivate vineyards, where Refosco and Malvasia grape varieties prevail. Since 2018, the village is also home to the first wine fountain for wine tastings in Slovenia.
How to get there?
The "traditional" routes lead to Marezige through Koper. Specifically, through Vanganel. However, if you are coming from the direction of Črni Kal, don't forget the route through Sveti Anton (Bertoki exit). This way, you can avoid potential summer congestion.
But a truly special route is undoubtedly the one through Kubed. It might take you a minute longer, but a trip between the Karst edge and Šavrin hills can be something unique. Especially during spring or autumn.
If you're particularly fortunate, you might arrive in Marezige by the Wine Bus. It operates during certain events from Koper and can be a special experience for both the young and old.
Koper and Marezige are also connected by a regular bus line. The schedule somewhat depends on the school timetable, but price-wise, it's a quite affordable form of transportation.
Where to sleep in Marezige?
It might seem that Marezige are more suitable for a one-day visit, but when you see accommodations like the Red Fairytale or the Glamping Land of Refošk, you will understand why visitors choose Marezige as a starting point for exploring the surrounding places.
Marezige also boast a parking area for campervans, and the accommodations also offer the surrounding villages.
Marežanski uprising
The year 2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the Marežganski uprising. On May 15, 1921, a clash occurred in Marezige between the local population, who had been living in Istria for generations, and Italian officials.
The officials were trying to persuade the locals to vote for a certain political party, but the locals drove them out of the village with pitchforks, shovels, and stones. The Marežganski uprising is considered one of the first anti-fascist uprisings, which was followed by a trial. In 1923, many locals were sentenced to long prison terms by the Italians. In remembrance of this uprising, the City Municipality of Koper celebrates its municipal holiday.
The land of Refošk
The Koper viticultural district, covering 2,400 hectares, is part of the larger 7,055-hectare Slovenian wine region of Primorska. It stretches along the coast of the Gulf of Trieste from the border with Italy near Debeli Rtič, through Izola, Piran, and Sečovlje, to the Slovenian-Croatian border. The Koper viticultural district is located in the climatically warmest Slovenian area.
The most widely cultivated grape varieties here are Refosco and Malvasia, but other varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and more also thrive in this region.
