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

One of Istria's best-known beaches, Bijeca Bay in Medulin, has revealed another side to its history: visitors can now explore the remains of an extensive Roman industrial complex beneath the shallow waters. Research shows the bay was an important economic centre for around five centuries, from the 1st century BC to the early 5th century AD.

At depths of up to two metres lie the remains of what archaeologists say is one of the largest known Roman saltworks, along with an ancient oil mill and facilities linked to early marine cultivation. Underwater archaeologist Ida Koncani Uhač told HRT the finds are the first archaeological evidence of a Roman saltworks at the site and are unique along the Adriatic coast. Roman sources mention salt production along the Istrian coastline, but this is the first material confirmation in Bijeca Bay.

The site is now an underwater archaeological trail. It begins at a Roman oil mill with two millstones on display, continues past a 30-metre section of Roman road, then follows a 50-metre channel that once supplied the saltworks, reaching a storage building believed to have held salt, before ending at another seawater channel. The shallow depth has helped preserve the stone structures from strong currents.

The conservation is part of a joint Croatia–Italy project, with guided tours organised by the Municipality of Medulin during the tourist season. The trail suits all ages and requires no diving experience — many remains are visible while snorkelling or even from the surface. Nearby, the Vižula Archaeological Park is being expanded with a new multimedia centre. Visitors are reminded the site is legally protected: removing artefacts or using metal detectors is strictly prohibited.