Grisia is the main street of Rovinj's old town, a steep and winding cobbled lane that climbs from the main square up to the church of St. Euphemia at the summit. On both sides, the ground floors of the old stone buildings house artists' studios, galleries, and small shops selling original paintings, prints, and jewellery. Many of the artists work in front of their doors in summer and are happy to talk about their work.
Every August, the street hosts an open-air art exhibition in which local and visiting artists hang their work directly on the buildings — a tradition going back to 1967. The quality varies, but the setting is lovely and the event draws buyers from across Croatia and Italy. Outside exhibition season, the permanent galleries are worth browsing even if you're not buying; the concentration of working artists in such a small space is unusual, and gives Rovinj some genuine claim to being an art town rather than just a resort.