Special days at St. Ana Estate

Unforgettable Weddings

Step into a world of timeless beauty and create everlasting memories at the Chapel of Saint Lawrence, nestled in the picturesque region of Savudrija. This extraordinary Romanesque structure, one of only two in the area, promises a wedding experience like no other. Allow us to paint a vivid picture of the captivating allure that awaits you.

Standing proudly for centuries, the Chapel of Saint Lawrence is a sight to behold. Its unique quadrangular design, complete with a semi-circular apse and a majestic bell tower, sets it apart as an architectural masterpiece in Istria. But what truly distinguishes this gem is the mesmerizing decorative blind hanging arches adorning its main façade. These intricately crafted arches showcase the ingenuity and artistry of the craftsmen from the 12th century. As you bask in the beauty of this remarkable feat, you’ll find yourself transported to a bygone era.

The Chapel of Saint Lawrence in Valfontane offers more than just a wedding venue; it provides an immersive experience, a journey through time, and an opportunity to create a bond with the past. Embark on this extraordinary adventure with your loved ones, and let the chapel’s timeless charm weave its magic on your special day.

Book your dream wedding at the Chapel of Saint Lawrence today and be a part of its living history. Let love, tradition, and enchantment come together in this idyllic setting, creating memories that will be treasured forever.

St. Ana’s Day

St.Ana’s Day on the 26th of July is dedicated to the memory and legacy of Ana Judež, a mother, wife and the driving force behind St. Ana Heritage garden, a testament to Ana’s love for the land. The estate is a beautiful reminder of her legacy and the impact she had on those around her.

Olive oil days

During the harvest season visitors can participate in the centuries-old practice of hand-picking the fruit. After the harvest, the olives are taken to the estate’s oil mill, where they are cold-pressed to produce a high-quality, extra virgin olive oil.

Visitors areinvited to the olive oil ‘fontana’ to taste the newly-produced oil, which is poured fresh from the press. Here, they can learn about the different varieties of olives grown on the estate, including the local ‘istrska belica’ variety. The estate’s expert staff can also teach visitors about the different aromas and flavors of the oil, and how to pair it with food.

Lavender days

Lavender days at St. Ana are a unique opportunity for visitors to engage in the process of creating essential oils from fresh lavender plants. The process used for distilling lavender essential oil is called steam distillation, and it is a fascinating and complex procedure.

First, the freshly picked lavender flowers are loaded into a large distillation vessel. This vessel is then filled with water, and the mixture is heated. As the water boils, steam rises, and the steam carries the essential oil from the lavender flowers up and out of the distillation vessel.

The steam and essential oil mixture then moves through a cooling coil, which condenses the steam back into water and oil. The oil is then separated from the water, leaving behind a pure, concentrated lavender essential oil.

Lavender essential oil is prized for its calming and soothing properties and is often used in massage therapy and aromatherapy. At St. Ana Lavender Days, visitors can not only witness the distillation process but also participate in hand-picking the lavender and learning about its various uses and benefits.

Cherry days

The Cherry Days is a delightful event that takes place every early summer. It is a celebration of the rich cherry harvest, and visitors are invited to hand-pick fresh cherries straight from the trees.

The tradition of cherry cultivation in Croatian Istria dates back to the Austro-Hungarian era, when cherry trees were first introduced to the region. The trees thrived in the fertile soil and mild climate of the Istrian peninsula, and soon became a popular crop among local farmers.

During the Cherry Days, visitors can taste the juicy, plump cherries and take part in preparing marmalade, juice and cherry strudel.

St. Ana Angels

The St. Ana Heritage Garden is not just a beautiful location, it’s also a place where beauty is celebrated in all its forms. Every year, the estate hosts an exciting and unique event called St. Ana’s Angels, a beauty contest that celebrates natural beauty and the wonderful benefits of olive oil beauty products.

This contest is an opportunity for young women to showcase their natural beauty and confidence, and to promote the use of olive oil beauty products. The contestants are judged on their beauty, personality, and knowledge of olive oil products, with the winner receiving a prize package that includes a selection of olive oil products.

The contest takes place in the beautiful setting of St. Ana Heritage Garden, with the contestants walking down a runway surrounded by olive trees. But the contest is not just about physical beauty. It’s also about promoting the use of natural and sustainable beauty products that are kind to the environment and good for the skin. Olive oil has been used for centuries as a beauty product, and its benefits are widely recognized. From moisturizing the skin to preventing wrinkles, olive oil has a range of health and beauty benefits that make it a perfect ingredient for beauty products.

Degustations

The local fish and meat picnics at St. Ana are a true gastronomic delight. Father and son, the estate’s owners and custodians, prepare the freshest seafood and meat, paired with locally grown vegetables and herbs. The dishes are cooked on the spot, with great attention to detail, and served in a picturesque setting. Guests can indulge in delicious cuisine made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients while enjoying the stunning views and serene ambiance of the St. Ana Heritage Garden.