Dalmatia’s most most devoted romantic gets bronze tribute in Vodice
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Perched at the top of the Mali Parapet in the town of Vodice, the sculpture of Šime, Dalmatia’s most devoted romantic, will enjoy an uninterrupted view of the sea and the bustling waterfront as he patiently waits for his beloved Mare.
This charming installation marks the beginning of the ambitious “Project That Holds Water”, a cultural and urban initiative transforming Vodice into a living story about water – the element that has shaped the soul of this coastal town for centuries.
Why Šime? A Local Legend Brought to Life
Šime is a legendary figure from Dalmatian folk poetry – the archetypal romantic. As the story goes, he proposed to Mare at the Vodice well, but only after helping her when her water container slipped as she was drawing water.
A true gentleman of the times.
As the verses go, while Mare “woke early at dawn to fetch water,” Šime was already there, ready to lend a hand – leading to the iconic line: “a wink like a cannon shot straight into Mare’s dark eyes.” A timeless tale of flirtation by the well, now immortalised in bronze.
A Tribute to the People of Vodice
“Šime represents all the labourers and fishermen of Vodice who lived for generations in harmony with the sea, the fields, and fresh water – just as nature embraces Vodice itself,” said Mayor Ante Cukrov.
(Photo credit: InfoVodice)
“This sculpture is a tribute to our people who helped shape the identity of our town. Through the City of Vodice Branding Strategy, we aim to highlight every unique aspect of our community, and this project fits perfectly within that vision.”
(Photo credit: InfoVodice)
The project is being coordinated by Marko Juričev Martinčev, with the assistance of Antonio Šunjerga and Antonio Paškov. Artistic direction comes from Tea Juričev Martinčev, while the sculpture itself is the work of renowned coastal public artist Teo Baučić.
But Šime Won’t Be Alone for Long…
Plans are already in motion for a companion piece – a sculpture of Mare, placed in the direction of Šime’s loving gaze.
(Photo credit: InfoVodice)
Surrounding her will be shaded benches for visitors to rest and take in the view. Together, Šime and Mare will tell a story of eternal love, set in the natural beauty that makes Vodice such a special place.
The broader project also includes enhancements to the town’s main square and well, along with signage for the “Living Spring” – the spot where the Vodica river has flowed into the sea for centuries.
Historical records note that Vodice was once one of 200 key Mediterranean locations with a reliable source of fresh drinking water. It’s even believed that ships filled their barrels here before the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.
Water as Heritage and Identity
“Embraced by both the sea and the fields, Vodice has always been a city of water – and that’s the identity we want to bring back into focus,” Mayor Cukrov added.
(Photo credit: InfoVodice)
This is just the beginning of a romantic journey cast in bronze. The story of Šime and Mare is set to become the heart of Vodice’s transformation into an open-air water museum – a place where heritage, identity, and love all flow together.
And of course, it doesn’t hurt that the town will soon be home to the most charming couple watching the sunset – forever together.
