Limski knal (Lim fjord)
North of Rovinj, about a 20 minute car-ride away (see map), one of the most
beautiful natural resources of the Istrian peninsula, Lim Bay, is located, also
known under the name of the Lim channel of the Lim fiord. Of course, both
expressions are incorrect since the geological beginnings are interpreted
through the erosive activity of the Pazincica, a rivulet that now is in its
largest part a small gulf.
Lim Fiord is part of the 35 km long Lim Valley (Draga), that stretches almost to
the center of Istria, to the town of Pazin. The Fiord itself is a little bit
longer than 10 km, it is 30 meters deep and its widest part is around 600 meters
wide. From both sides very steep mountains rise, in some parts even up tp 100
meters.
The water in the bay is partly brackish, because of its underwater sources of
sweet water and it is thus suitable for the growth of plant and animal life and
it is also a well-known fish and oyster farm (oysters, mussels, giltheads, sea
basses.). All these delicacies can be tasted in two restaurants on the very
coast of the bay.
The bay surroundings are very interesting, the plant covering is lush and
diverse, reaching from evergreen to deciduous trees, where various wild animals
live, such as boars, fox, badgers, some roe deers and birds like hawks, buzzards,
owls.
Free climbing lovers will find a suitable cliff on the northern side, where
during the summer time fans of this extreme sport are doing their daily climbing
tour.
The historical background of Lim Fiord is interesting for various reasons. Even
before Christ, the Illyrians were building their colonies, the Illyrian forts,
on the surrounding mountains. On the southern side, nearby the quayside and the
restaurant, some hundred meters high, Romualdo's cave is located, where during
the 11th century and later chuch ceremonies were held. Tradition has it that
Romualdo was a priest who lived the life of a hermit, and the foundation of the
nearby located Benidictine monastery St. Michael is also credited to him. Two
years ago the cave was cleaned and opened for public, including the possibility
of an organized visit with a guide.
The very name of Lim has its origin in the Latin word «Limes» (border), since as
far back as during the Roman Empire the valley divided two of the Roman
provinces at that time, the today's cities of Poreè and Pula. Forty years ago, a
movie on Vikings was made here, «The Vikings», with Kirk Douglas in the leading
role. Closeby, Dvigrad is located, a small mediaeval town which is certainly
worth a visit.
Lim Fiord has protected landscape status and thus the driving of motor crafts,
fishing or diving is strictly forbidden.
