Zlarin Coral Museum
Zlarin Coral Museum or the Zlarinka Coral Center is a reminder of the islanders' diligence in the harsh conditions of life and the wonderful splendor of Croatian sea world. The history of coral diving and processing goes back to the 13th century when the Zlarinians discovered the red treasure around their island. There are about fifty species of coral in our underwater world, and the most famous is red coral of the genus Corallium rubrum. Corals love the clear sea with strong currents that are bringing the plankton they feed on. It was believed that coral was a flower that petrified when taken out of the sea, until the 18th century when the scientists finally have discovered that it is an animal inhabiting underwater reefs in colonies, and growing slowly - just a few millimeters a year. Slow growth is the reason why coral farming is unprofitable, but also a cause for a depopulation, which is why the catch is decreasing and the value of coral is increasing. Only seven people have licenses for coral hunting in Croatia today, and none are from Zlarin. Nevertheless, Zlarin has a Coral Museum and soon it is planned to open a coral center here - coral has meant life to Zlarin and has been Zlarin's most important export product ever. Although there is no coral hunter in the island, there is a master of coral processing so you can witness the skill of coral hand-crafting and buy unique jewelry here. The museum working hours are divided, so you can go down Niz Bebana Street after a morning coffee or when the summer heat is off if you have rented an apartment, room or holiday house in Zlarin. The museum space is small but circularly arranged to guide you through the centuries of coral tradition and culture of living in Zlarin. Once upon a time, corals were multiplying at shallow depths, about 30 to 50 meters below the surface, and the Zlarinians were breath diving for it. They used the Inženj or the Cross of Andrew, whose interesting shape and function you will immediately notice upon entering the Museum. In addition to the reds, they have hunted for blue and white corals, but those never reached the value of the first one. It is interesting that the red coral turns white at higher temperatures without changing its properties or shape. This is why children are given coral bracelets so we can immediately notice if the baby has a fever. From the high temperatures of summer days, you can take shelter among the stone walls of the Coral Museum, and find more information about it at Zlarin Tourist Board.
