Problems of Preservation of Cultural Landscape in Vodnjan Area
Problems of Preservation of Cultural Landscape in Vodnjan Area

Author(s): Nikolina Belošević, Toni Ivetić, Danko Dujmović
Subject(s): Archaeology, Cultural history, Museology & Heritage Studies, Architecture, Local History / Microhistory
Published by: Pécsi Tudományegyetem Művészeti Kar Művészettörténet Tanszék
Keywords: cultural landscape; Vodnjan; Istria; heritage preservation; Roman centuriation; dry-stone walls; kažuni; archaeological heritage; sustainable conservation; traditional architecture
Summary/Abstract: The study explores the preservation of the cultural landscape in the Vodnjan area of Istria, Croatia, emphasizing the interaction between humans and nature over thousands of years. It describes the region as a unique historical environment containing prehistoric hillforts, Roman centuriation systems, medieval churches, dry-stone walls, and traditional stone huts called kažuni. The authors explain that the Vodnjan landscape reflects continuous settlement and agricultural activity from antiquity to modern times. Roman influence is especially visible in the preserved road networks, villae rusticae, olive oil production sites, and the ancient land division system. The paper also highlights the survival of the Istriotic language and the cultural traditions of Orthodox Montenegrin settlers in Peroj. A major goal of the study is the proposal to register the Northwestern Vodnjan Cultural Landscape in the Register of Cultural Properties of the Republic of Croatia. The authors identify several serious threats to the area, including illegal construction, urban expansion, tourism development, and intensive modern agriculture that destroys traditional dry-stone structures and archaeological remains. They stress that many valuable monuments and archaeological sites remain insufficiently protected despite their historical significance. The study proposes preservation measures such as maintaining historic parcel divisions, protecting traditional architecture, preserving ancient roads, and conducting systematic archaeological research before construction or agricultural interventions. The authors conclude that long-term preservation of the Vodnjan cultural landscape requires cooperation between conservation experts, local authorities, and the local community, supported by education and sustainable cultural tourism.

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