Heritage&Tourism: Embrace the vibrant life of a fisherman or sailor in Mošćenička Draga
26/11/2024
Mošćenička Draga is a charming small town in the Kvarner region, renowned for its perfect harmony. The beauty of its long Sipar beach, the picturesque stone houses overlooking the sea, and the lush, elevated hinterland create an inviting and irresistible atmosphere. A holiday in this town provides an opportunity to explore its rich history, particularly through the Mošćenička Draga Ecomuseum.
One of the five components of the Ecomuseum is called "The Story of the Sea," which includes a variety of activities designed to introduce you to the world of fishermen, wooden boats, and traditional sailing. It emphasizes the passionate and harmonious coexistence between people and the sea. Central to this component is the Interpretation Center of Fishing and Maritime Heritage, known as "The House of the Sea."
The connection between Mošćenička Draga and the sea is so deep and strong that it is no wonder that in this town the sea has its own house, its own home, in which every object bears its mark, telling the story of fishing, underwater life, seafaring, traditional shipbuilding, navigational skills and the development of the port of Draga. Everything inherited, preserved, and deeply rooted in the hearts of residents is presented in the interpretation center of fishing and maritime heritage "The House of the Sea".
Visitors often choose July to visit Mošćenička Draga, especially during the three-day regatta "MALA BARKA - Štorija od mora." This festival showcases the beauty of traditional wooden boats, including types such as guc, pasara, gajeta, leut, and batana, all equipped with striking sails like lug, lateen, and "sošno" sail. In addition to a competitive regatta, the event features rowing and sailing on traditional boats, along with numerous workshops focused on maritime skills, fishing, shipbuilding, and seamanship for all ages. Attendees can participate in various lectures, and guided tours of the "The house of the sea" and enjoy thematic exhibitions. The event also includes occasional concerts and a stunning evening promenade showcasing traditional boats. During the regatta, visitors can savor authentic local flavors at the Kvarner Eco-Ethno Products Fair and Fisherman's Evenings.
The Mošćenički Draga waterfront serves as a vibrant showcase for traditional wooden boats, including the authentic Kvarner guc. Throughout the year, visitors can observe the daily lives of fishermen preparing to head out to sea. To help them identify different types of boats and learn about fishing methods, the fish market, the boat slipway, the sea, the underwater world, and the development of the Mošćenička Draga port, the Mošćenička Draga Ecomuseum has curated an engaging experience for visitors.There are 16 informative boards featuring interpretive texts and photographs that delve into the history of Draga. Additionally, the Ecomuseum regularly hosts presentations and workshops on various traditional skills, such as fishing, salting fish, making sails, and rowing and sailing on traditional boats.
Maritime activity on the entire eastern coast of the Adriatic in the second half of the 19th century was the most developed in South Dalmatia (Orebić) and Kvarner, including in Mošćenička Draga. The capricious sea brought a heavy burden of unpredictable and unavoidable situations into the lives of sailors, from which they sought protection. Thus votive paintings were created, which still adorn numerous churches and chapels today. Visitors can therefore embark on an unusual search for about twenty maritime votive paintings that have been researched and documented in the parishes of Mošćenice and Brseč.
Unlike the people of Mošćenička Draga, who would be at sea in the blink of an eye, fishermen from more distant places had fishing huts on the beaches and in the bays that served them to store their boats, fishing equipment, and tools. Another exciting activity for visitors to the Municipality of Mošćenička Draga is the thematic maritime itinerary, The Path of the Sea, which rounds off the experience of this area with independent exploration by kayak, SUP, or a trip in a wooden boat along the fascinating and often dramatic coast of the Municipality of Mošćenička Draga.
More information can be found on the official website of Mošćenička Draga Tourist Board: https://www.tz-moscenicka.hr/en
