As Morski writes on the 23rd of July, 2019, after six whole years, the renovated fish market was opened at Peskarija in Dubrovnik’s Old City. It is a fish market built back in the 19th century in Dubrovnik’s beautiful old port, and 207,000 kuna was invested into its reconstruction. Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Franković said that by restoring Peskarija’s fish market, yet another important element of life in the historic core of Dubrovnik had been brought back to life.
The fish market was used for its actual purpose until an earthquake struck Dubrovnik back in 1979, and then it was converted into a building material warehouse. The roof was repaired in 1990, but it was damaged once again during the Homeland War, when Dubrovnik suffered some serious blows from the attacking JNA.
”It’s a great honor to be able to attend the return of another element of life in the city today, in the very city itself. Six years ago, someone turned off the lights, closed the door, and said goodbye, Peskarija. Today, it may have seemed impossible to attain the minimum technical conditions and maybe some thought that this wasn’t essential. But it is important, because this Peskarija represents the identity of the city,” said Mayor Mato Franković, adding that it was equally important that a flower shop was restored in Dubrovnik’s historic city centre.
”It is important that traditional crafts remain in the city, that they live in the city and live alongside their city. Ultimately, if we lose all urban elements, then we’ll lose people. They are the greatest and most important asset of our city,” concluded Mayor Franković.
Director Tomislav Tabak said that this project was small but very demanding because it had to be done in accordance with all of the strict conservation guidelines and instructions on the food trade at the highest of standards.
“Six years ago, the Peskarija wasn’t in function and it was an eyesore. I was reluctant to accept the idea of rebuilding the fish market, and I didn’t know what all the problems waiting for us were going to be. In conjunction with the conservators and the inspectorate, we realised this idea in six months.
Now fishermen can sell their catch in a lawful manner in a fish market that has existed for 200 years. That’s why I would like to thank the Proto-Arch architectural office, the contractor and the entire Conservation Department and the Department of Sanitary Inspection, with whom we’ve thoroughly gone through every part of this fish market for the last six months. To the satisfaction of the citizens, we’ve now opened Peskarija,” Tabak said, emphasising the fact that this is has been his favourite project since he became the director of the Dubrovnik Sanitat company.
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