The Croatian school keeping stonemasonry alive and winning global awards

(Photo: Klesarska škola, Pučišća/Facebook)

ZAGREB, 1 Oct (Hina) – Students from the Pučišća Stonemasonry School on the island of Brač attracted attention with traditional tools at the recent Marmomac fair in Verona, with school head Tamara Plastić winning the title “Master of Stone” for promoting stonemasonry across Europe and globally.

The Stonemasonry School said that this was the first time a school had been invited to the 59th edition of the fair, held on 23-26 September. 

The event brought together 1,485 exhibitors from 55 countries, alongside architects, designers, and industry professionals.

(Photo: Klesarska škola, Pučišća/Facebook)

The Pučišća team, consisting of students and teachers, showcased their works and demonstrated techniques using traditional stoneworking tools.

While emphasising tradition, they also demonstrated a modern and innovative approach to stonemasonry and construction.

(Photo: Klesarska škola, Pučišća/Facebook)

During the fair, the school discussed significant projects with leading figures from European stone industry associations and companies, speaking to architects, designers, and visitors.

The school was awarded for the best stand.

(Photo: Klesarska škola, Pučišća/Facebook)

(Photo: Klesarska škola, Pučišća/Facebook)

The “Masters of Stone” title is given to individuals who have successfully promoted the stone industry through their work.

The award was founded in Verona in 1319 by the guild of master stonemasons and was reintroduced at Marmomac in 1980.

Plastić received the award for popularising stonemasonry and the Pučišća Stonemesonry School on a global scale.

(Photo: Klesarska škola, Pučišća/Facebook)

(Photo: Klesarska škola, Pučišća/Facebook)

Other recipients included South Tyrolean entrepreneur Burkhard Pohl, architect Paolo Camaiora, La Favorita group founder Giovanni Conterno, and British master stonemason and influencer Charlie Gee.

“Pučišća is the cradle of stonemasonry in Croatia. We are committed to keeping this craft alive and showing our island’s children its global value,” said Plastić.

The school has been operating for over a century.

(Photo: Klesarska škola, Pučišća/Facebook)

(Photo: Klesarska škola, Pučišća/Facebook)

Its importance is underscored by the fact that Europe’s architectural heritage is almost entirely built from stone, and the school remains the only place in Croatia, and one of the few in Europe, offering formal training in traditional stonemasonry.