Batana

The Batana ecomuseum is a community-based heritage practice dedicated to the safeguarding of Rovinj’s maritime (tangible and intangible) cultural heritage, rooted in its territory and its people.  
 
As the first ecomuseum in Croatia, it is based on participation, respect for diverse cultural heritage, dialogue, and inclusion. The Ecomuseum Batana protects and safeguards maritime heritage through valorisation, documentation, research, interpretation, presentation, and communication of its many components reinforcing the cultural identity and uniqueness of Rovinj as a pleasant place to live for its residents and as a unique destination for its visitors. It operates 3 physical spaces; an interpretation centre, an old shipyard, and a traditional tavern, and has a year-round programme including the organisation of the Regata for traditional boats with lateen and lug sails. 

The main goals along with safeguarding, is the development of ecomuseum principles for the development of innovative cultural-tourism practices and participatory heritage management in line with sustainable development concepts.  

The Ecomuseum Batana is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible cultural heritage Register of good safeguarding practices, actively participates in the UNESCO ICH NGO Forum, as well as in the Association of Mediterranean Maritime Museums.