House of the Halubje Bell Ringer

22 Oct 2024

This year, there's a new must-visit spot during your stay in Kvarner. In Viškovo, a place above Opatija and Rijeka, right next to Kastav, the House of the Halubje bell ringers has opened — a unique venue where you can explore the rich intangible cultural heritage of this region, enjoy various programs, purchase original and authentic souvenirs, and soon indulge in local delicacies and select dishes for which our region is widely known.

In the House of the Halubje bell ringers, you can enjoy a permanent exhibition dedicated to the annual bell ringers procession, a tradition that UNESCO has included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The opening of this establishment has confirmed Viškovo's renown as Croatia's capital of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage, as there are as many as four intangible heritages in this area listed on that prestigious list.

But who are the Halubaj bell ringers? Why are they special and why must you see them?

They chase away winter and summon spring! They are brave! They are strong! They are representatives of our long history, our rich community of the present, and our future. The Halubje bell ringers are a widely known cultural phenomenon with roots reaching back to ancient times.

The House of the Halubje bell ringers attractively presents this ancient tradition, interpreting the past and still living mythology. The exhibition is educational, interactive, and fun, suitable for both children and adults. It features original, old items related to the bellmen and the traditional life of the local population, as well as modern multimedia content that will particularly delight children and those who feel young at heart.

Visit us, explore our history, meet the bellmen, enjoy the ambiance and local delicacies, and discover Viškovo and Kvarner!