In the small fishing port of Mošćenička Draga stands a quite special house, dedicated to the maritime tradition of this part of the Adriatic Sea. It is the Interpretation centre of fishing and maritime heritage of the Eco-Museum Mošćenička Draga, where visitors enjoy the exhibits like old catching traps, hooks, ship materials. Especially interesting part is multimedia exhibit of an old ship cupboard; when one opens a tray, one can hear the sound of sea, ship horn, seagull, dolphin, etc.
The museum shows three basic topics: fisheries, maritime tradition, and traditional ship building. On the lower floor there are standard topics about fisheries, such as kinds and types of fishing nets, tools and lights, but also ways how to salt fish or repair the nets. A special dedication is given to the old Slavic community and their ancient fishery. Mošćenička Draga is situated beneath Perun, an ancient place of old Slavic worship. Everyday life of fishermen is supplemented with a special emphasis on the role of women up to the present day.
On upper floor, visitors encounter traditional ship building, tools, models, drawings, but also artefacts from private collections featuring old signal flags, pictures old 130 years showing the ships where people from this region worked. These paintings are often given to the local churches as a religious vow and as a prayer for the safe voyage.
The museum gives a glimpse of our grandparents’ life, their everyday work, hopes, and fears, emotions that are passed through decades. As such, it is a beautiful place for learning more about the life in Mošćenička Draga and its surroundings.