"Bale/Vale" Bale by JLBG

Bale Travel Guide: 26 reviews and 32 photos

Bale in Croatian, Vale in Istrian dialect and in Italian, is a city with a little more than 1,000 inhabitants, built on a small hill. It is at the crossing of the roads Pula-Bale-Piran and Bale-Rovinj. A Roman castel was built at the same the place than prehistoric dwellings. In the middle ages, the village was part of the patriarch of Aquilea andafter 1332 under the control of Venice.

The city has kept the same figure than in the Middle ages with remains of the defence system (city wall, towers and gates). A narrow street surrounds the castle, lined by olds stone houses, some in good condition, other needing masonery work.

The old core of the city is pedestrian only. The streets are so narrow that anyway it would be impossible for a car. As it is not touristy, there is no problem for parking on the outskirts of the old city.

Last visit to Bale: Sep 2011
Intro Updated Oct 22, 2011
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Reviews (15)

What is that ?? Off The Beaten Path (3)

What is that ?? I do not know, I have not the singlest idea. This figure was stuck on the basement of an electric pole.... more travel advice

Small chapel Off The Beaten Path (3)

This abandoned small chapel is situated outside of Bale, on the outskirts of the city, along the road coming from the... more travel advice

Something modern ! Off The Beaten Path (3)

On the piazzetta a strange stone carving brings a touch of modernity to this Middle age village, but, being carved in... more travel advice

Vaulted passage Things to Do (12)

Instead of going down through the stair we used to come, a vaulted passage allows to leave the piazzetta and walk down... more travel advice

Comments (14)

balhannah Oct 22, 2011 at 12:05 AM Report Abuse

Love the look of this town with all those narrow alleys and flower boxes. The old Church is a cutie, thanks for sharing!
Maryimelda Jun 5, 2010 at 8:10 PM Report Abuse

All of the fantastic VT pages from this area of Europe are fast fuelling my desire to visit the area as you all have. Thank you Jean-Louis for all your pages in the Balkans.
TheWanderingCamel Dec 25, 2008 at 6:52 PM Report Abuse

Talking about Bale only yesterday with folk who were there this summer - nice to be able to put images to it now. MrL is a Julian and loves those tiny old Croatian churches - 2 more reasons to go there! Cheers - leyle
LoriPori Dec 17, 2008 at 3:28 AM Report Abuse

Love the narrow, winding, cobblestoned passages. I think I would like visiting this lovely town.
Nemorino Jan 21, 2008 at 2:21 PM Report Abuse

I always enjoy visiting car-free places, so I am sure I would like this one as well.
iandsmith Dec 18, 2005 at 3:50 PM Report Abuse

Enjoyed the tips and the quality photography that went with them
Bwana_Brown Aug 10, 2005 at 8:38 AM Report Abuse

An amazingly picturesque little village!! I love the old stonework used for the houses, walls and streets. The custom of sitting out on chairs in the middle of the narrow streets was also very interesting to me!
Maillekeukeul May 20, 2005 at 1:00 AM Report Abuse

Tu crois que ca bellydance a Bale ?
matcrazy1 Apr 18, 2005 at 9:11 AM Report Abuse

Great page with great and very interesting details! Thanks for sharing.
diocletianvs Oct 4, 2004 at 9:32 AM Report Abuse

Great page about Bale. I loved the details of wells you captured. (And yes - in Istria they are usually collecting water in cistern).