Tourists in Istria never stop to wonder how much natural, cultural and gastronomic treasures are concentrated on one relatively small peninsula. Some of these treasures are hidden. Dozens of tiny stone churches scattered across the Istrian peninsula hide one such treasure. Looking at their simple exteriors, one would never guess that they hide opulent frescoes reminding us of the creativity of ancient Istrians.
The Dance of Death is the most famous Istrian fresco. Along with the Pula Arena and the Euphrasian Basilica, this fresco is the most recognizable cultural monument of Istria. This fresco was painted after the bubonic plague epidemic, showing that in death, we are all equal and no one can escape it. Beside the dancing corpses, walking in a silent procession towards the open grave are the pope, cardinal and bishop, king and queen, fat innkeeper, child, beggar and soldier to whom even the firm armor is of no use, and finally a salesman, who fails to bribe death with gold coins. Death plays the bagpipes, providing the rhythm to dancing skeletons.
Examine them in the peace and quiet of centuries-old churches and for a brief moment feel the connection with the people who once stood there praying and hoping.