Novigrad Fishing Tradition Centre

Step into the Visitor Centre and journey back in time, to an era when nets, sails and wind were the most faithful companions of the people of Novigrad. Admission is free, but what you take home is worth far more!

Discover the secrets of fishing
Right in the heart of Novigrad - Cittanova’s charming old town, just steps away from the historic Mandrač harbour, you'll find a captivating multimedia exhibition centre dedicated to the town's rich fishing heritage and authentic glimpse into the Novigrad’s fishing past.

At its core stands an impressive replica of the traditional Novigrad batana with a sail — the centerpiece of the exhibition. Its sail comes alive as a projection screen, displaying a collection of vintage photographs and postcards generously donated by local fishermen.

Through multimedia displays, rich photo and video materials, and original fishing tools, the Centre reveals the stories of fishermen, their customs, sayings, and everyday life, when every voyage to the sea was an adventure of its own.

The batana displayed in the Centre was handcrafted over six months in Piran. It weighs half a ton, secured by 1000 screws! Experts consider it one of the most complex wooden boats to make – a true gem of Novigrad's maritime heritage.

Besides the iconic batana, the centre showcases authentic fishing gear, everyday objects, and extensive photo and video archives—all generously donated by local fishermen and residents. Each exhibit tells its own unique story, collectively preserving the living memory of Novigrad’s maritime past. Outside, in the adjacent park, visitors can marvel at a genuine Roman anchor dating back to ancient times, highlighting just how deep Novigrad - Cittanova's fishing roots run.

A place that preserves stories from the sea
Through its permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Visitor Centre bridges the past and the present, showing how fishing, once a way of life, has become a cherished part of Novigrad’s cultural heritage.

But this is more than just a museum; it is a space of experience. The sound of the waves, the scent of salt and the light reflecting on the batana create a sensation that you have just set sail from the Novigrad harbour yourself.

Come and explore the tools, nets, boats and traditions that have nourished and connected the local community for centuries!