VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF ISTRIA

Istrian peninsula in Croatia is well known for its rich cultural heritage, of which vernacular architecture makes an important part. It has a Mediterranean aspect and consists predominantly of stone houses and other farm buildings which can be found in the villages and typical small hill-top towns especially in the interior part of the peninsula. Another characteristic of this region are round shaped dry-stone shelters called KAŽUNI which are spread mainly in the south-west part of Istria.
The main question is how to protect vernacular architecture of Istria and make it usable in the context of sustainable development of the area.