The quarry encompasses an area of 4 ha, situated 2 km from the centre of Rovinj. It has a status of a geological monument since 1987, representing a unique example of limestone sedimentology and one of the most interesting quarries in the world.
Rocks from the geological monument the Quarry Fantazija provide scientific explanation of the origin of similar rocks in the world which contain only some, but not all evidence and indicators of this type of origin as contained in this quarry near Rovinj. During the Mesozoic period, Istria was part of the Adriatic carbonate platform 42, where carbonate rocks deposited in the shallow and warm sea. At the transition from Jurassic to Cretaceous era, the sea level dropped on a global level, causing the evaporation in the platform area, cracks in the sediment, and dolomitisation of the limestone.
The quarry is a display of genetically different types of dolomites with preserved details of texture, and structure of diagenetic and genetic characteristics, indicating the processes and impact of blue-green algae, petrification of cavities formed by algae decomposition, sea level oscillations, alternation of tides, sediments soaked by sea water and then dried. This is why the geological monument the Quarry Fantazija represents a standard for all other rock sites of this origin type in the world.
Histri, one of the advanced cultures in the Adriatic, gave the name to the peninsula of Istria. Some authors argue that Histri were an Illyrian tribe, whereas others associate them with the Veneti. The main settlements of Histri were forts, among which the most important is Nezakcij (Nesactium), built on a steep cliff above the bay and protected by walls. Thus began the tradition of using stone as an architectural and building material in Istria. More intensive use of stone and opening of quarries started in the period of Roman Empire, where large and impressive buildings, such as the arena in Pula, were built from the Istrian stone. The exploitation of stone continued throughout the Middle Ages when the Istrian stone was carried across the Adriatic sea towards Venice and other major cities of the time.
The most intense stone exploitation occurred during the Austro-Hungarian period when new excavations were opened, ancient quarries were revitalised, and stone fracturing and sawing techniques were perfected along with the stonemasonry craft. The stone was exploited as a building material for the construction of grand buildings that still adorn Istrian and other landscapes. The Austro-Hungarian governance and investments in the Istrian region resulted in a construction prosperity and significant increase in number of inhabitants: builders, sailors, peasants, workers, nobility, officers. Pula became the intersection of people from different parts of Croatia and entire Europe. Numerous investments in infrastructure and the development of cities increased the demand for quality stone, and led to a more intensive exploitation of the quarry Cava di Monfiorenzo.
workers, nobility, officers. Pula became the intersection of people from different parts of Croatia and entire Europe. Numerous investments in infrastructure and the development of cities increased the demand for quality stone, and led to a more intensive exploitation of the Fantazija quarry.
In the period from 1954 to 1964, only three companies in Istria operated in the field of exploitation of architectural and building stone: Istarski nemetali Pula, Istarski nemetali Buje, and Istarski boksit Rovinj, joined by the newly formed company Kamen d.d. Pazin in 1954. Until 1960, the company Kamen d.d. Pazin and other companies in Istria exploited quarries that were discovered in the period between WWI and WWII. Thanks to its investigative activities, the company Kamen d.d. Pazin discovered the quarry Selina in 1962, followed by the quarries Vošteni, Lakovići, and Gračišće. Over the next years, the company Kamen d.d. Pazin survived as the only producer of this raw material in Istria. During the so-called Economic reform, many quarries were closed, but the productivity and overall production increased abruptly. Towards the end of 60s, large investments occurred, and many quarries opened again. Aside from the leading company Kamen d.d. Pazin, the architectural and building stone in Istrian county is exploited also by several smaller enterprises.
According to currently available data, the Quarry Fantazija was active in the 1960s. However, its full exploitation was never realised. The stone from this quarry could not ensure the required quality and profitability of the production. The stone would split during the exploitation which made impossible to adequately cut the carved blocks. Therefore, Kamen d.d. Pazin abandoned the Quarry Fantazija, and opened other numerous quarries with greater exploitation potential. After years of its inactivity, professionals recognised the value of the Quarry Fantazija and its potential in the field of tourism and education. Thus, a new era began for this unique and globally recognised quarry.
The Quarry Fantazija will fulfil the expectations of various groups of visitors, from tourists, students, and geology experts to the youngest guests whose imagination will stir every step of the way.
Ulaznice je moguće kupiti na lokaciji Kamenoloma u radno vrijeme.
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