Roman saltworks beneath Medulin’s Bijeca Bay revealed through unique underwater archaeological trail

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One of Istria’s best-known beaches, Bijeca Bay in Medulin, has revealed another side to its history, with visitors now able to explore the remains of an extensive Roman industrial complex beneath the shallow waters.

Archaeological research has shown that the bay served as an important economic centre for around five centuries, from the 1st century BC until the beginning of the 5th century AD.

Located at depths of up to two metres are the remains of what archaeologists say is one of the largest known Roman saltworks, together with an ancient oil mill and facilities linked to early marine cultivation.

Underwater archaeologist Ida Koncani Uhač old HRT the discoveries represent the first archaeological evidence of a Roman saltworks at the site and are unique along the Adriatic coast.

Historical Roman sources mention salt production along the Istrian coastline, while records from the 5th century refer to saltworks on the island of Veliki Brijun. However, this is the first material evidence confirming such a complex in Bijeca Bay.

The site has now been transformed into an underwater archaeological trail, allowing visitors to explore the remains by swimming close to the shoreline.

The trail begins at the remains of the Roman oil mill, where two millstones are on display, before continuing past a 30-metre section of Roman road. Visitors then follow a 50-metre water channel that once supplied the saltworks, before reaching a large storage building with several rooms believed to have been used for storing salt. The route ends at another channel that carried seawater into the salt production system.

Archaeologists say the shallow depth of the site has helped preserve the stone structures, as the area is protected from strong sea currents that could otherwise have caused significant damage.

The conservation and development of the site forms part of a joint Croatia–Italy project. Guided tours of the underwater museum are organised by the Municipality of Medulin during the tourist season.

The trail is suitable for visitors of all ages. No diving experience is required, with many of the archaeological remains visible while swimming or even from the surface using only a snorkelling mask.

Across the bay, the Vižula Archaeological Park is also being expanded with a new multimedia interpretation centre, which will present other archaeological sites across the Medulin area and explain their historical connections. Researchers believe the sites were once part of a large Roman estate.

Visitors are reminded that the underwater trail is a protected cultural site under Croatian law. Removing artefacts, disturbing archaeological structures or using metal detectors or other recovery equipment is strictly prohibited.