„Gradine“ represent a characteristic style of settlement organization that appeared in prehistory and they were prevalent in Istria, where the defensive function of the settlement relied significantly on the terrain and complemented the walls that surrounded „gradine“. In Istria, this type of settlement was common for the Histri, a prehistoric ethnic group that dominated Istria until the Roman conquest of the peninsula. The analysis of the territories revealed that „gradine“ were not randomly placed, but one of them, which was the most important point at that time, was the center of a group of settlements that were socially connected. „Gradine“ were permanent, in which the inhabitants lived permanently and engaged in daily activities, and also temporary, intended for reconnaissance and defense function or as a shelter in case of danger. The evidence of the character and appearance of prehistoric „gradine“ in Istria can be found in the remains of „gradina“ of Monkodonja and Nesactium, which are preserved to this day. Furthermore, the layout of active Istrian towns on the hills, such as Buzet, Motovina and others testify to the historical continuum of this type of construction settlements.