The autumn research campaign of the Istrian Seabed programme has concluded with an underwater survey in Kolone Bay near Bale.
This enchanting bay brings together the seemingly incompatible – from dinosaur traces millions of years old to architecture two millennia old and more recent. Remains of Roman architecture can be found at every step in the area, among the vegetation and in the small wood above the sea.
This year's work focused on submerged Roman structures, a pier, and a room with a preserved press base, located between the shore and Kolone islet.
During fieldwork, the seabed was surveyed to detect archaeological finds, photo and video documentation was produced, topographic recording and measurements were carried out, followed by mechanical cleaning of the pier blocks and a trial sounding of the pressing room.
The research was led by Dr Ida Koncani Uhač, with the participation of archaeologists Emil Kmetič Marceau and Josip Seličanec and conservator-restorer Andrea Dugandžić of the Archaeological Museum of Istria.
External collaborators also took part in the research – archaeologists Nera Janković and Mislav Popović and Dr Anton Divić of the company NavArchos, as well as divers Moreno Almasi and Neven Kelemen. Logistical support was provided by The Old Diver diving centre from Bale, with divers Marko Srečec and Tina Čućek.
The programme was funded by the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia and by the Museum's own funds.
