I decided to dedicate this post to the well-known Savudrian motif, the wooden poles used for hanging boats. They are quite a common occurrence in photographs of the destination. Although many people take pictures next to gruje, in order to send pictures to their family and friends as a photo souvenir and a memento of the time they spent in Savudrija, I’m not sure how many of them actually know a bit more about them. I know that when I first saw gruje, I didn’t even know their name, let alone why they were there and what they were made of.
Gruje are made of acacia wood, a tree which, in addition to the delicately intoxicating scent of its flowers, is also known for its very durable wood. Old fishermen knew this, too, when they started making gruje from it, in order to use them, along with ropes and pulleys, to pull their small boats, called batanas, ashore and so keep them out of storms. Because, a long, long time ago, Savudrija did not have a safe harbor and some savvy local fishermen of Savudrija came up with gruje.
Today the situation is reversed, that is, the roles have been somewhat switched: the Savudrija batanas are guarded by a safe harbor, while the gruje are guarded by lovers of local heritage, eager to preserve the symbol of their hometown. They will surely succeed in this, and gruje will continue to adorn the lovely photographs from the westernmost cape of Croatia, a place not far from the beautiful lighthouse of Savudrija. The sunset here is something you definitely need to experience. And may someone you love and a glass of fine, local wine be there with you.
