The ancient road Via Flavia, which descends from Buje towards Pula, crosses the valley of the river Mirna near Grožnjan in a place known as Ponte Porton. This place was a port where residents of nearby places used to exchange goods for centuries. During the Roman Empire, river Mirna was completely navigable to Ponte Porton, while today only boats with a flat bottom can navigate here.
The valley of the river Mirna, besides the exceptional beauty of nature, also conceals the church of Mother of God from Baštije. At that time, the church was the important religious destination for sailors and the surrounding population, who often came here in the processions, with many weddings held there. The church was restored in 1999. The Mirna Valley is today a favorite family excursion destination for the inhabitants of Grožnjan, as well as for their numerous guests who have found accommodation in Grožnjan and are looking for delight in the pristine nature of the green Istrian peninsula.