The Archaeolgical Park of San Simon Bay/Simonov zaliv was set up in 2010, and since then was managed by the University of Primorska, by the Institute for Archaeology and Heritage. From 2022 it is managed by the Science Centre of the University. Since the establishment the park was progressively developing thanks to several cross-border, international and national projects, including specific projects for students’ work in the professional sector (ŠIPK and PKP).
Archaeological Park Simonov Zaliv is part of the Science Centre of the University of Primorska, which unites units dedicated to presenting the scientific and research work of the university to the general public. Simonov Zaliv turned into an on-going heritage living lab for developing novel interpretation approaches as well as specific activities for different curricula in the field of heritage and for various levels of education.
Archaeological Park of San Simon Bay is located in the area of the Roman seaside villa, which was designed in the 1st century BC. The site is protected as an archaeological monument of national importance due to its location, size and the authenticity of the remains.The park features Roman mosaics preserved in what used to be the living quarters, which extended over 3000 m2, and in the bay next to it we can also find traces of the Roman port, which you can visit with IPPA divers. In the interpretation center for visitors which is situated in two small pavilions one can learn how the Romans and the inhabitants of the villa lived and how it was built. Interesting tasks await in both pavilions (loading amphorae, building a Roman arch, working a pulley and putting together an animal puzzle). With the help of the interactive tool with a map, visitors can take a tour of Istria’s history, archaeology, geology and cultural heritage. On the vicinity of the archaeological park there is also a small corner with the Mediterranean vegetation: various trees and herbs that were used for cooking in the Roman times.
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