Quiet Pazin in the center of Istria is the antithesis of the touristy coast: There are no glitzy resorts or hordes of tourists there, but there are some historic sites worth visiting. Pazin is not a huge transportation hub, but rail and bus service connect it to other parts of the country. While Pazin doesn't have Roman ruins like Pula or a gorgeous coastline like Rovinj, it does have a medieval castle with a long and interesting history and a deep chasm that inspired author Jules Verne while he was writing Mathias Sandorf. In reality, Pazin's personality is similar to that of any small town in middle America: It's in the middle of nowhere with a strong agricultural base, a little industry, and a neutral location that was a factor in its choice as a regional seat of government. Pazin's central position on the peninsula also makes it an excellent base from which to explore the rest of inland Istria, including the amazing frescoes at St. Mary of the Rock in nearby Beram.
