Croatia, Trogir and Jelinak Bay are drawing visitors looking for an alternative Adriatic experience through the Via Crucis Underwater Museum, a marine attraction that combines art, history and snorkelling beneath clear coastal waters. Located near the UNESCO-listed town of Trogir, the museum features handcrafted religious sculptures, an eight-metre statue of Jesus Christ and a restored Soko Jastreb J-21 military aircraft placed on the seabed. Designed to be accessible to swimmers, snorkellers and recreational divers, the attraction offers a distinctive way to experience Croatia’s coastline beyond traditional beach tourism.
An Underwater Museum Blends Art and the Adriatic Sea
Unlike conventional museums, the Via Crucis Underwater Museum presents its collection beneath the surface of Jelinak Bay. Visitors enter the sea and follow an underwater route where sculptures have been carefully positioned to create a cultural experience integrated with the surrounding marine environment.
The attraction is officially known as the Via Crucis Underwater Museum because it represents the 14 Stations of the Cross through 52 handcrafted sculptures. The underwater setting offers visitors an opportunity to experience religious art while exploring the Adriatic Sea through snorkelling or diving.
The clear waters of the bay make many exhibits visible even to those without advanced diving experience.
Religious Art Forms the Centrepiece of the Attraction
The museum’s collection includes handcrafted sculptures representing scenes from the Stations of the Cross. At the conclusion of the underwater route stands an approximately eight-metre sculpture of Jesus Christ positioned at a depth of around ten metres.
The arrangement encourages visitors to move gradually through the exhibition while observing both the artworks and the surrounding marine ecosystem. Over time, parts of the sculptures have become integrated into the underwater environment as marine life naturally settles around them.
The combination of religious heritage and underwater exploration creates a tourism experience that differs from traditional museum visits.
A Restored Military Aircraft Adds Historical Interest
Alongside the sculptures, visitors can also explore a restored Soko Jastreb J-21 military aircraft positioned beneath the sea. The aircraft introduces an additional historical element to the attraction, broadening its appeal beyond religious and cultural tourism.
The aircraft has become one of the museum’s most photographed features and attracts visitors interested in aviation history as well as underwater exploration.
Its placement complements the artistic installations while providing another point of interest along the underwater route.
Accessible Snorkelling Encourages More Visitors
One of the museum’s distinguishing features is its accessibility. Much of the attraction can be explored through snorkelling because several sculptures are located in relatively shallow water.
This allows families, recreational swimmers and visitors without professional diving certification to experience many of the exhibits safely under suitable conditions. Certified divers can explore deeper sections, including the larger statue and aircraft.
The accessible layout has helped expand interest in the attraction among visitors seeking outdoor activities during summer holidays.
Trogir Offers History Beyond the Coastline
Many visitors combine the underwater museum with time in nearby Trogir, one of Croatia’s UNESCO World Heritage destinations. The town is known for its medieval streets, Romanesque and Renaissance architecture, historic churches and waterfront promenade.
Trogir’s old town offers museums, cafés, local restaurants and cultural landmarks that complement marine tourism along the Adriatic coast. Walking through the historic centre provides a contrast to the underwater experiences available nearby.
Its location also makes Trogir a convenient base for exploring other parts of Dalmatia.
Adriatic Tourism Continues to Diversify
Croatia continues to expand its tourism appeal beyond beaches by promoting cultural attractions, outdoor recreation and heritage experiences. The Adriatic coastline supports sailing, kayaking, diving, island hopping and marine wildlife observation alongside historical tourism.
Attractions such as the Via Crucis Underwater Museum demonstrate how cultural heritage and marine recreation can be combined within a single destination.
Nature-based tourism and smaller coastal attractions also help distribute visitors beyond larger resort areas during the busy summer season.
Planning a Visit to the Underwater Museum
Jelinak Bay is located near Trogir in Split-Dalmatia County and is accessible by boat or organised excursions. Split Airport, situated approximately six kilometres from Trogir, serves as the nearest international gateway with regular connections across Europe during the tourism season.
Accommodation options include seaside hotels, boutique guesthouses, holiday apartments and waterfront resorts throughout Trogir and nearby coastal communities. Visitors often combine snorkelling trips with boat excursions, local seafood dining and visits to nearby islands.
Weather and sea conditions should always be checked before entering the water, particularly during periods of changing coastal conditions.
Conclusion
Croatia, Trogir and Jelinak Bay continue to attract travellers through the Via Crucis Underwater Museum, where submerged sculptures, religious art and a restored Soko Jastreb J-21 aircraft create a distinctive Adriatic tourism experience. Together with Trogir’s UNESCO-listed heritage, accessible snorkelling and the clear waters of the Dalmatian coast, the attraction adds another dimension to Croatia’s growing portfolio of cultural and marine tourism experiences.
