Historical background to Labin
It is thought that the town of Labin (Albona or Alvona as it was called in the ancient times) developed on the same place where, in prehistoric times, existed an old fortification that was built by the tribes Histri and Liburni.
The very name of Labin was first mentioned during the 2nd century BC in the works of antique writer Artemidor from Ephesus.
After the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 Labin changed hands many times. Finally, Slavs and Avars came to this area during the 7th century and it seems (there are some obscure data) that Labin was almost destroyed during their attacks.
In the year 788 Franconians took over Labin and introduced feudal system. During that period Croatian tribes started coming to this area.
After the rule of Franconians, Labin was ruled by many and lastly, in 1208 the Church of Aquilea ruled Labin till 1420 when Venice took over.
Writer Marin Sanudo wrote an interesting remark about the town of Labin, he said that Labin is a town where “everybody speaks Croatian and streets are steep and dangerous but women are beautiful and like to go to church”!
During the period of Venetian rule,many buildings (some can still be seen in the old Town of Labin) were built in Labin, and in general, it was a time of prosperity for Labin and its inhabitants.
After Venetians, Labin was ruled by Austrians and after that by the French but during 1813 Austria regained its power and ruled Labin till 1918. During that period a mine was opened in Labin and that presented the local population with a source of much needed income.
During the 1st and 2nd World War Labin shared the faith of the rest of Croatia; after the 2nd World War Labin became the part of Yugoslavia; at the beginning of 1992 Labin became the part of the Republic of Croatia.