The Baška Glagolitic Path on the island of Krk

Baška Glagolitic Path (BGP) –   THE CROATIAN PRIMER OF THE HISTORICAL LANDSCAPE is a vast project, the purpose of which is to erect a monument of permanent value in the Baška valley. This is the place where the Baška Tablet, the first national document in Croatian history, was found. This is the place where the Glagolitic alphabet was in use and the culture was rich for centuries in the past. The monument would lead visitors of the area to historical and cultural interests and landmarks.
The project will form a path marked by stone sculptures, starting from the mountain pass of Treskavac, the entrance to the valley, and eventualy ending at the coast in Baška harbour’s  Stara Riva (Old Pier). It will consist of 34 stone statues displaying the individual letters of the Glagolitic alphabet. Three large sculptures will be created by the academic sculptor Ljubo De Karina and the remaining 31 smaller statues will be created in artistic workshops in Baška. Those workshops are to be led and mentored by Mr. De Karina, who is also the artistic supervisor of the whole BGP project.
The project will require roughly 4 to 5 years to complete. In 2006 we saw the creation of the outline schemes, implementation plans and the placement of the first and largest of the sculptures – the letter A, on the Treskavac pass. In 2007 the first workshop was held in April.  Eleven art students sculpted 12 of the smaller sculptures. The second workshop is scheduled for the 6th  to 16th  of October when students from all Croatian arts academies will work alongside with students from academies from Prague and Graz.

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As a part of this project, seminars about the Glagolitic alphabet and culture are organized and a brochure (a kind of cultural guide) is planned for publication. The guide will lead visitors along the path and provide explanations of the locations where they are placed. Opportunities for young people and children to meet the art students and artists involved are planned as well. Visitors will be offered the chance to participate and try the sculpting process. A positive atmosphere of creativity and culture is being spread among local population, young people and visitors to the valley.
The creation of the Baška Glagolitic Path is of utmost importance to the whole of Croatia.  Many cities are participating and donating to the project for the chance to sign the statues.  Because of the importance of the Glagolitic culture and the Baška Tablet for Croatian history and culture, the project is being made possible by the direct contributions from individuals from Croatia and beyond.

Translated from Croatian by her children
Bruno and Ivan Marković