Memorial collection Erminio Vojvoda

In times long ago, the inhabitants of Pula and its surroundings went to Vodnjan for shopping, and the well-known Trgovačka (Commercial) Street in Vodnjan was full of stores and crafts shops where customers, besides purchasing, could have other services provided before returning home. However, Vodnjan was mainly known for its numerous shoemakers. The famous shoemaker Erminio Vojvoda (May 23, 1902 - April 6, 1991) was one of the best known and eminent inhabitants of Vodnjan, at a time when Vodnjan had a number of high-quality shoemakers.

Vojvoda was the most prominent master of his trade in Vodnjan, and his works were known not only beyond Vodnjan and Istria, but beyond the borders of Italy and Yugoslavia, the countries Vodnjan was part of during his life. Besides being a skilled craftsman, he was known as a designer of many haute couture models of the time: his works could be seen in Europe's top fashion magazines published in Paris, London, Vienna and Milan. His workshop that stood on the ground floor of his home, where he designed his models and created his shoes, has become a Memorial Collection as a reminiscence to the people of Vodnjan and its many visitors, not only of yet another notable inhabitant of Vodnjan, but is a place to learn about the production, tools, furniture, and ambiance of the one-time Vodnjan crafts shop.

Many molds, sketches, patterns, photographs, diplomas and postcards have been entered in the inventory book of the Ethnographic Museum of Istria and exhibited in their original place, in a truly recreated authentic setting.

Working hours 2024:
01.01. - 31.03.: open for visits by appointment
01.04. - 30.09.: 08:00 - 15:00, on Saturdays and Sundays by appointment
01.10. - 31.12.: open for visits by appointment

Information:
Ekomuzej Istrian de Dignan
Narodni trg 8, HR-52215 Vodnjan-Dignano
T. +385 99 350 3590
info@istrian.org
www.istrian.org