UMAG,
a town and port on the north-western coast of Istria,
Croatia,
13 km northwest of Buje; population 4,838. The old town core
is situated on a peninsula, between two shallow bays. The
northern, more spacious bay is protected by a breakwater and
converted into a harbour. Economy is based on farming,
viniculture, fishing and tourism. The hinterland of Umag abounds in fertile and
cultivated land, with fields reaching the coast (vine is the
main crop). A number of shallows were formed by erosion of
soil, which provide excellent fishing grounds. The new part
of the town faces the open bay and is connected with the
tourist part of the town in the north-west. The port is exposed to north-westerly
winds and allows docking of vessels drawing up to 3.5 m. Umag
marina (Nautical Centre Umag) is located in the northern part
of the port. Umag lies on the regional road connecting
Savudrija
with Novigrad, as well as Umag
with Buje.
In Roman times Umag was known as Umacus. - Narrow
and winding streets and picturesque squares reveal a
mediaeval urban structure; preserved are parts of the town
wall, reinforced by towers in the 14th century. The Baroque
parish church (whose construction started in 1730) has a
characteristic shallow dome; the church keeps a part of a
Gothic polyptych from the 15th century. - Since 1985 the
Dante Gallery, owned by Marin Cettin, has been opened.
Exhibited and promoted are mainly modern works of art. The
development of tourism in Umag started at the turn of the
20th century. Today, Umag is a well-known seaside resort,
equally frequented during summer and winter months.
Due to
its indentedness, easy access and Mediterranean atmosphere,
the riviera of Umag, extending from the Dragonja river in the
north, to Ladin Gaj on the southern edge, is a true promised
land for those seeking rest and recreation. Umag has a number
of hotels, hotel annexes, apartments, bungalows, campsites
and a marina offering standard supporting services, which
guarantee a pleasant stay and vacation - recreational
opportunities include swimming pools, beaches, a casino,
sports grounds, as well as special programs for older people,
huntsmen, anglers and nature lovers. Cultural and historic
sites and structures are often used as stages for concerts
and other quality events. Traditional events in Umag include:
St. Pelegrin, the folk feast dedicated to the patron of Umag
(end of May); Our Lady of the Snows, the folk feast in
Materada, dedicated to St. Mary (5th of August); The
Assumption of Our Lady, the folk feast of Umag and Sveta
Marija na Krasu near Umag (15th of August); Concert Summer,
concerts of classical music in the parish church (in July and
August); ATP Croatia Open, an international tennis tournament in Stella Maris Camp
(end of July), which made Umag one of the most famous
Croatian seaside resorts.
