The Fantazija Quarry
The Fantazija Quarry – Cava di Monfiorenzo natural monument is the only geological natural monument on the territory of the Istrian County. The site was declared a protected area in 1986 and, because of the rarity and the scientific, aesthetic and educational values of the dolomite rocks found at the quarry dig site, the Quarry is protected as a natural monument.
The boulders in the Quarry are cut straight and look polished, thus accentuating the rare rhythmical alternation of early diagenetic and late diagenetic dolomites. The visible layers of genetically different dolomites with preserved structural and textural features serve to provide a scientific explanation of the process of formation of such and similar rocks in the world, and to interpret the condition and the processes that have taken place in the paleoenvironment during the geological past.
The idea behind the geoIST3A – Valorisation of the Natural Heritage in the Istria County by Improving Competitiveness of the Tourist Offer project, KK.06.1.2.02.0049, was to further explore, protect and, ultimately, valorise the Fantazija Quarry site in terms of its educational and tourism significance. The project was managed by the Natura Histrica Public Institution, with the Town of Rovinj-Rovigno and the Tourism Board of the Town of Rovinj-Rovigno as project partners and full support from the Istrian County. In the middle of 2022, after all the project ideas have been successfully realised, the works on equipping the quarry with state-of-the-art visitor and interpretive infrastructure were completed, and professional interpretations of the geology and the geological phenomena that can be seen at the site were ensured.
In addition to the main phenomenon – a protected quarry dig site with a newly built walking path – the Visitor Centre also includes a tourism and information centre with a souvenir shop, a centre for visitors with 3D animation and exhibitions, namely The Geology of Istria, The Fantazija Quarry, Istrian Stone, and Quarries and Stonecutters. The purpose of The Geology of Istria and The Fantazija Quarry exhibitions is to provide insight into the geology of Istria in a wider temporal and spatial context. Animation is used to present the development (sedimentation) of carbonate rocks from the Late Jurassic period until the end of the Cretaceous period in four different sedimentation zones. Graphic displays are installed to show the layers of the early diagenetic and late diagenetic dolomites, i.e., to present the characteristics of the Fantazija Quarry dolomites with an emphasis on the black-and-white deposits as a symbol of sedimentation.
The Istrian Stone exhibition is dedicated to various types of Istrian stone. By examining the exhibited stone panels, the visitors have an opportunity to learn about the constructional, architectural and chemical characteristics of different types of stone, which have throughout history conditioned the rich stone processing industry in Istria. The geological map of Istria and the associated photo materials serve to present the quarries and their industrial and architectural uses.
The youngest visitors can enjoy the scientific/educational corner which consists of three different sections – Under the Microscope, The Palaeontological Puzzle and The Research Corner, and an outdoor play area.
The geological pillar, built and installed in the central part of the Centre, is made from a selection of authentic in situ rock specimens that have been arranged, with minimum adjustments, so as to give a faithful presentation of the geological profile of the area. This geological pillar is special in that the rock specimens that form it have been cut and polished on one side to present the structure of the rock, while the other side serves to show how the stone actually appears in nature. Besides the part built from rocks, there is also a graphic part that shows not only the geological profile and structure of the area, but also provides a paleogeographic presentation of the continental drift, and a presentation of the microfossils found in the rocks.
The Visitor Centre of the Fantazija Quarry geological natural monument has become the only site in the Istrian County equipped to receive a wide range of visitors, and offering expert-led educational programs in geology intended for pupils, students, and the wider interested public.
The visitor center is closed for visiting untill 1.4.2025.
For professional guidance, contact the Public Institution Natura Histrica at info@natura-histrica.hr.