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BASKA VODA TOURIST INFORMATION - CROATIA TOURIST INFORMATION

Baska voda (Croatia, Central Dalmatia) has crystal, clear and warm sea, well preserved natural environment and realy nice geographical position, in the heart of Dalmatia on the Adriatic coast, and because of that Baska Voda is an ideal tourist destination.

Today Baska Voda, Promajna, Bratus, Krvavica, Topici and Bast present mix of hospitality, tradition and modern life. They have good accommodation, good restaurants, long white sandy beaches, museums, entertainment are at disposal and interesting excursions starting from Baska Voda.

Long tradition in tourism industry guarantees tourists that they wish their holiday here never ends.

HISTORY

Traces of life date more than three thousand years ago.

First evidence of settlement on this district dates from early Bronze Age (1700 - 1500 BC). During that period walled settlements with wooden lodgings plastered with mud were build on the site of nearby Bast and on the hillock Gradina in Baska Voda. The inhabitants of that period were of Indoeuropean origin and later this district was taken over by Illyrians.

When those regions were a part of Roman Empire (II and III century BC) the settlement formed traces which can be found on hillock Gradina. Its center was formed on the place of today's Baska Voda.

Many tombstones from old times were found but only few were preserved while most of them were ruined during construction works. Some tombstones have Illyrian names engraved, so it can see that newly-arrived Romans and old Illyrians were living together. At the end of 4th century Roman Empire was constantly under attack of barbarian tribes. They were constant danger for the people which lived on this territory. Therefore towns improved and reinforced their defensive fortifications and smaller settlements were built on higher positions which were more suitable for defense. So, during 5th and 6th century stone walls in Gradina were built all the time. Passage through Brac Channel was controlled from the fort. Life at Gradina ended when Croats came in 7th century.

After 7th century through the following thousand years we can not see traces of urban living by the sea. All the activities were shifted to Mt. Biokovo. Fresh water springs were used for watering the cattle and it can be supposed that first buildings were built during 17th century and used as shelters for Shepard’s. First building was St. Lawrence's Chapel from 1750. When pirates started to attack, local population returned on the coast and built new Baska Voda. The population started to develop tradition in agriculture, fishing and sailing. Many buildings were built. When harbor was constructed in 1912 Baska Voda became the most important harbor in this area and because of that intensive trade between islands and Biokovo area was conducted. In the 1930s first hotel was built, hotel Slavija owned by Sikavica family.

A town which used to be a town of farmers, fishermen, merchants and seamen now is a modern settlement with all characteristics of small Mediterranean town. Intensive development began in 1968 when the "Magistrala" (motorway along the Adriatic coast) was built. Comfortable hotels were constructed, the camp was open and more and more private houses were included in tourism. Tourism in Baska Voda reached its peak in 1980s. After the war ended Baska Voda improved its facilities, many private houses and hotel capacities were renewed and new ones were better. Besides improvements in accommodation, special attention was given to environment, quality of the beaches and entire tourist infrastructure.

CULTURE

Archaeological Museum Collection has archaeological findings from 1700 BC to 7th century.

Malacological Museum has the biggest collection of shells from the Adriatic and world's seas and oceans.

Native Museum has ethnographic collection, old photographs, old tools, valuable sacramental exhibits.