Did you know that, unlike many other Croatian coastal towns, Bakar is exceptionally rich in natural springs of fresh water? The locals recognized this treasure back in the late 19th century and decided to make it accessible by installing several public street fountains (cro. špine) around the town.
With the introduction of the modern water supply system, most fountains gradually fell into disuse during the second half of the 20th century. However, the new millennium brought a renewed awareness of the importance of clean and accessible drinking water. Since the early 2020s, a project has been underway to restore and interpret eight špine scattered across Bakar’s historic center.
Set out to find them and discover Bakar’s history through the eyes of countless drops of water that give life to this town. To make your refreshing walk easier to plan, you can also pick up an informational brochure featuring a map and list of all fountains.
The story of Bakar and its connection to water also lives on through the character of the legendary local water carrier, Ivan Čop. You can learn more about this fascinating historical figure through an audio guide available in both Croatian and English.
