The karst relief with its permeable limestone rocks has unfavourable conditions for life due to its inability to retain water. The River Rječina, the only stream of water in this area, which marks the north-eastern border between the Municipality of Viškovo and the Grobnik area, has always been an important source of water. However, before the construction of the water supply system, the Rječina was generally inaccessible to people from Viškovo, which is why water wells – locally known as šterne – were a source of life for them.
Since people needed water on a daily basis, the well became the main meeting place for both young and old. People would go there to meet, exchange information and have a good time together. However, the local legend of Malik warned children against falling into the deep, cold water. All this made the well a source of life in both a physical and spiritual sense.
Throughout the month of June, the wells of the Municipality of Viškovo play host to a series of events entitled ‘The šterne water wells – a source of life’. The limited space around the wells provides an intimate atmosphere in which the performers of cultural and entertainment programmes are closely connected to their audience. This series of event turns the wells into small stages and brings the spirit of past times and their original role back to life, if only for a while.
Summer is the time when we enjoy various events in open spaces and interesting environments. One of them is “Summer Rainshower,” a concert on the square in front of the Church of St. Matthew that provides real refreshment in the warm month of July.
The past in the present – Events