Baška Glagolitic Alphabet Trail
Nestled in the picturesque Baška Valley on the island of Krk, the Baška Glagolitic Alphabet Trail offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. This enchanting trail is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and curious travelers alike.
The Baška Glagolitic Alphabet Trail is a tribute to the ancient Glagolitic script, the oldest known Slavic alphabet. This script played a crucial role in preserving the Croatian language and culture during centuries of foreign rule. As you stroll along the trail, you’ll encounter 34 stone sculptures, each representing a letter of the Glagolitic alphabet. These sculptures are strategically placed at significant sites throughout the Baška Valley, creating a fascinating open-air museum.
Starting from the mountain pass of Treskavac and winding down to the charming waterfront of Baška’s harbour, Stara Riva, the trail offers breathtaking views of the valley and the Adriatic Sea. The path takes you through idyllic landscapes, picturesque stone streets, and lush greenery, making it a perfect blend of nature and history. The trail is ideal for recreational walkers. It is suitable for individuals, couples, and families with children.
During your walk, you’ll also discover the rich flora and fauna of the region, adding an extra layer of interest to your adventure. The Baška Glagolitic Alphabet Trail is not just a walk; it’s a journey through the history and beauty of the island of Krk. Plan your visit and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Glagolitic script!
What can you visit here?
Download the brochure of the Glagolitic Trail
Information from history
THE BAŠKA TABLET
The Baška Tablet (Bašćanska ploča) is a monumental artifact from Croatia, dating back to around 1100 AD. This limestone slab, discovered in the Church of St. Lucy in Jurandvor on the island of Krk, is renowned for its ancient Glagolitic inscription
Discover the Baška Tablet: A Key Piece of Croatian Heritage
The Baška Tablet (Bašćanska ploča) is a monumental artifact from Croatia, dating back to around 1100 AD. This limestone slab, discovered in the Church of St. Lucy in Jurandvor on the island of Krk, is renowned for its ancient Glagolitic inscription. The text, written in the Croatian recension of the Church Slavonic language, records a land donation by King Zvonimir to the Benedictine abbey of St. Lucy. This inscription is significant as it marks the first known mention of the Croatian name in the Croatian language. The Baška Tablet is preserved at the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Zagreb, with a replica displayed at its original location. Its intricate design and historical context make it a must-see for anyone interested in Croatian history and culture.
Key Historical Facts:
Ancient Inscription: The Baška Tablet is one of the earliest monuments featuring an inscription in the Croatian recension of the Church Slavonic language. It is written in the Glagolitic script, which was used by the Slavic peoples. The text on the Baška Tablet marks a transitional phase from the rounded Bulgarian Glagolitic script to the angular Croatian Glagolitic script, highlighting the evolution of written Croatian. This inscription provides invaluable insights into the linguistic and cultural history of medieval Croatia.
Royal Mention: The Baška Tablet holds immense historical significance as it records a land donation by King Zvonimir to the Benedictine abbey of St. Lucy. This inscription is particularly notable because it marks the first known instance where the Croatian name is mentioned in the Croatian language. The text, written in the Glagolitic script, details King Zvonimir’s generous gift of land to the abbey, highlighting the importance of the church and its role in the community. This royal mention not only underscores the historical and cultural ties between the Croatian monarchy and the church but also provides a valuable glimpse into the governance and societal structure of medieval Croatia.
Cultural Significance: The text, written in the Croatian recension of the Church Slavonic language, reflects the linguistic characteristics of the time, influenced by the Chakavian dialect. This makes the Baška Tablet an invaluable resource for linguists and historians alike, offering a glimpse into the early stages of the Croatian language and its script.
Preservation: Since 1934, the original Baška Tablet has been meticulously preserved at the Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Zagreb. This significant artifact, which dates back to the 12th century, is a cornerstone of Croatian cultural heritage. To ensure its accessibility and protection, a replica of the Baška Tablet is displayed at the Church of St. Lucy in Baška. This allows visitors to appreciate its historical importance while safeguarding the original from potential damage.
Architectural Context: Originally, the Baška Tablet was an integral part of the Church of St. Lucy’s altar partition, serving to separate the monastic choir from the congregation. This historical artifact features an intricate design adorned with ornamental vine tendrils, a hallmark of ecclesiastical architecture from the late 11th and early 12th centuries. The tablet’s detailed craftsmanship not only reflects the artistic sensibilities of the period but also provides valuable insights into the religious and cultural practices of medieval Croatia.
Where to get tourist information?
Contacts
Tourist Board of the Baška Municipality
Kralja Zvonimira 114, 51523 BAŠKA, Croatia
tel. +385 51 856 817
e-mail: info@visitbaska.hr
web: www.visitbaska.hr
Zalavár Municipality
Dózsa György u. 1., 8392 Zalavár, Hungary
tel. +36 83/354-001
e-mail: hivatal@zalavar.hu
web: www.zalavar.hu
How to get to Treskavac from Baška municipality?
By Bus
To get to Treskavac from Baška by bus, head to the Baška bus station and take a local bus heading towards Krk town. Make sure to get off at the Treskavac stop, which is located at the mountain pass. From there, follow the signs to the start of the Baška Glagolitic Alphabet Trail.
By Car
Driving from Baška to Treskavac is straightforward. Start from Baška town center and drive north on the D102 road towards Krk town. At the mountain pass of Treskavac, you will see signs for the Baška Glagolitic Alphabet Trail. There is a parking area available at Treskavac where you can leave your car and begin the trail.