Vižula, a small peninsula located near Medulin in Istria, represents an important archeological site that used to be a settlement populated from the neolithic period to the early middle ages. The majority of the remains originate from the ancient period, the main discovery being a residential seaside villa.
Talks about opening an archaeological park at Vižula have long been in the works, and now the official plan for the area’s development has been announced, reports Glas Istre. Mayor of Medulin Goran Buić called a press conference on May 16th 2017 to announce the project is to begin on September 1st, and will take two years to finish. Out of the 19 million kuna required in total, 16.1 million are procured from EU funding, the rest being covered by the Municipality of Medulin and the local Tourist board.
Archaeologist Kristina Džin who has been heading the excavations since 1994 said it was about time the site was granted substantial funds for conservation. “We want Vižula to become a centre of Croatian excellence when it comes to presenting and preserving cultural goods. The foundation of the project is the cultural heritage, but also the need to provide guests and the locals with a promenade and make sure there’s top-quality tourist offer all year round. When we start working, we expect to find parts of ancient walls, large mosaic surfaces and frescoes. We’re not planning to explore the peninsula systematically, but to conserve and present what we already discovered: the thermal bath complex, water reservoirs and the underwater remains.” said Džin.
Vižula will soon be housing an international archaeological school for researchers and students. Parts of the site will be presented using typical information panels and large tactile models to enable visually impaired visitors to find their way around. One of the attractive options at the park will be the opportunity to experience the peninsula in ancient history using 3D visuals. Construction of an adrenaline park for children is also in the works, along with playgrounds, resting areas and two catering facilities. All objects will be built using wood and other eco materials, and the conservators have already agreed with the project in its entirety.
Apart from contributing to the total tourist offer in the area, the archaeological park will provide the citizens of Medulin and their guests with a quality space for education, recreation and leisure.
