Kastav Cultural Summer has launched a project to revive the old trades that were the trademark of the Town of Kastav in the late 19th and early 20th century. The significance of the crafts industry of that period is also seen in the fact that the Delavska Craftsmen’s School was opened in Kastav in 1885, only two years after the first craftsmen’s school in Croatia was opened in Zagreb. In order to preserve this tradition and to give visitor’s the authentic experience based on cultural identity, the town is currently working to open a mini museum collection. The Barrelmaker’s Collection has been on display for the past five years and, in April 2007, the Coppersmith’s Collection was opened. The Baker’s Collection, with a hundred-year old stove, is currently being restored. The Blacksmith’s Collection, privately owned by Ranka Rubeša, is also on display.

This project is made possible thanks to the expert support of the Kastav Collection of the Maritime and Historical Museum of the Croatian Primorje Region in Rijeka. The opening of the exhibits and ongoing restoration of artefacts was made possible thanks to the Croatian Ministry of Culture, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, the Town of Kastav, the Kastav Tourist Board and numerous patrons and residents of the Town of Kastav.
A documentary/tourism film entitled “Gore, va Kastave” (Up, in Kastav) has been filmed about this project.

Ines Greblo

Photograph’s by Robi Kalčić