Labin Old town is famous for its medieval palaces which were built at the beginning of the 16th century following the rise of Venetian Republic.

One of the most beautiful Renaissance palaces belonged to a prominent aristocratic family Scampicchio who gave several intellectuals and town mayors.

The prominent town representatives were also entrusted the town archive which was kept in their family palace where they also preserved a collection of geological rarities from Labin area.

Antonio Scampicchio, Labin Mayor and a member of the Istrian Parliament, was interested in geology and archaeology, and founded the first Istrian museum collection within the palace.

The palace was built in the 16th century next to the parish church, and the family coat of arms is preserved on the front façade.

In 1582 the family donated a part of their property for the church to be extended, and in turn for that were given a permission by Pope Urban VIII to connect the palace with the church i.e. to build their private passage to the church which is nowadays on of the most popular motifs while taking photos in the Old town.