Let's discover the sea secrets
With the aim of preserving and protecting the maritime heritage, the Mala barka 2 project connected the Slovenian and Croatian seaside destinations of the Northern Adriatic. Together, they have prepared various trips for visitors, through which you will discover the stories of the sea, maritime, and shipbuilding traditions. We'll discover a part of the path together in the text below. Let's go!
About the Sea Stories in Izola
The path first takes us to Izola – the kingdom of fish with an interesting story. In the area of the former coastal road connecting the town with Koper, Rex – the fastest and most modern seagoing passenger ship from the beginning of the 19th century – sunk. It was 40m high, had 12 decks, and could accommodate 2,032 passengers. During World War II, it ran aground under the German flag just before Izola, and burned after the Allied aerial bombing. Its remains were later plundered and cut for scrap metal.
You can discover even more interesting stories about Izola, especially about fishing, in Izolana – House of the Sea where a series of documentary photographs, videos, and various items show the seaside characteristics of Izola. Fishery became one of the most important industries in the Middle Ages, leaving the city with a strong mark still felt today. Even children won't be bored in Izolana where they can learn how to fish with fisherman Bepi, or learn how to tie knots. Visitors can also explore Izola in virtual reality, or learn about historic facts from video clips.
Walk the Streets of Piran
Not far from Izola there is Piran – a Slovenian seaside pearl, a town that rose from salt. The streets of Piran hide a lot of stories which you can discover in the Sergej Mašera Maritime Museum of Piran. Not far from the old town, you will also be impressed by the former Monfort Salt Warehouses on the way to Portorož. A new information centre was established here under the Mala barka 2 project. In the premises of the former salt warehouses, a replica of topo fishing vessel is being produced. Topo was once a traditional Istrian vessel, but was replaced by plastic vessels, so we only remember it from the old postcards of Koper, Izola, and Piran.
There is only one story about the Adriatic Sea, but the connections it makes with the land are countless.
Rijeka – Symbol of Seafaring
The Croatian Kvarner region is not far from the Slovenian Istria. We're going on a trip to Rijeka which will delight everyone who loves maritime heritage. Here you can hear the story of the Stefan sailing boat from Rijeka that was wrecked in Australia in 1876. Details of this event are still preserved today in a logbook kept in the Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral in Rijeka. While walking around the city, do not forget to visit the Port of Rijeka, the shipyard, the Nautical School in Bakar, and the Faculty of Maritime Studies. Those who enjoy sea food will love a visit to the fish market.
