Small Istrian village Livade, during its hundred year long tradition, was an important spot for the whole region. The settlement was founded after the famous „Parenzana“ railroad was opened and, in the beginning, served as one of the most important trading centers at the time. After the railroad was shut down, the inhabitants were struggling to find a new way of providing for their families, but only for a short while.
The new page of Livade’s history was written in 1999 when Mr. Giancarlo Zigante found one of the biggest white truffles of Tuber Magnatum Pico variety in the nearby Motovun forest. Instead of selling the truffle that earned its place in the Guinness book of records, he decided to make a public celebration and served it to the visitors. Word of delicious mushrooms and the amazing natural scenery spread around quickly, and Livade soon became the world’s center of Istrian truffles.
Every year, between September and November, many locals and tourists visit Livade for the international truffle fair, „Zigante Truffle Days“, in search of original flavors and aromas of fresh Istrian truffles combined with some of the finest wines, olive oils, cheeses and other autochthonous products Istria can offer.
During the rest of the year, Livade is the favorite destination for many gourmands and tourists who want to enjoy the rich gastro offer of this region, go for the adventurous truffle hunt or just spend a relaxing weekend in the peaceful and quiet countryside.
