The city is placed in the middle of Istria surrounded by the hills forming a basin. Old part of the city is placed above abrupt cliffs and under it is a river Pazincica pit that makes phenomenon called Pazin ditch. It was first mentioned as Castrum Pisinium in a 983 deed, and since 12th century is a head of the County.
During the time, city gave a significant number of cultural and historical persons (Vladimir Nazor, Juraj Dobrila, Radojka Šverko). Culture is promoted today through various events through the year.
It is also known after the novel „Mathias Sandorf“, (1885.) by Jules Verne who put the place of the novel in this city. Because of that, every year is made manifestation in his honor.
