Trieste is currently hosting a phenomenal exhibition about the history of the Adriatic
While we usually only feature cultural events and manifestations taking place in Croatia, a lovely exhibition that is currently on display in Italy is worthy of making an exception.
The former fish market in Trieste, called Salone degli Incanti (salon of wonders), is currently housing a spectacular exhibition titled ‘In the sea of intimacy. Underwater archaeology tells the story of the Adriatic‘. More than sixty institutions from Italy, Croatia, Slovenia and Montenegro have united to present the vast fund of preserved artefacts discovered on ships that have sunk in the Adriatic waters at various points in history.
The exhibition spans over 2000 square metres, featuring close to a thousand objects including works of art, relics, items for everyday use, commercial goods and safety equipment. Almost a third of the total number of artefacts on display have been provided by Croatian scientific and cultural institutions from fifteen cities: Poreč, Pula, Rijeka, Lošinj, Senj, Zadar, Biograd na moru, Šibenik, Kaštel, Split, Brač, Korčula, Vis, Dubrovnik, and Koločep.
This amazing international project aims to shed some light on the history of Adriatic ports, ships, goods, people and their activities, wars, migrations, and sacred places. Visitors have a unique opportunity to take a virtual tour of the Adriatic seabed and discover the ancient trade routes, cultural heritage, the history of shipbuilding, and the diversity of the coastal landscape on the Adriatic, to name just a few attractive subjects.
The exhibition got its name after a quote of the late Bosnian writer and scholar Predrag Matvejević, who once wrote that the Mediterranean is a sea of closeness, and the Adriatic a sea of intimacy. The quote originates from his iconic book ‘Mediterranean: A Cultural Landscape’ (Mediteranski brevijar), a seminal work on the cultural history of the entire Mediterranean region that has been translated into 23 languages since it was first published in 1987.
‘In the sea of intimacy’ opened in December last year, and will remain on display until May 1, 2018. Since Trieste is fairly easy to reach, especially from Istria and Kvarner, consider planning a day trip in the next couple of months. Such an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating history of the Adriatic is not to be missed.
Working hours: 9-5 Tuesday – Friday, 10-19 Saturday and Sunday
Entrance fee: 7 euro
Sources: Slobodna Dalmacija, Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs
