You can learn to blow glass with Croatian artisans

Glass blowing is an old skill that has been practiced for millennia. It is the technique of utilizing a blowpipe to shape molten glass into desired forms. Although it may appear to be a difficult process, blowing glass is actually relatively simple and can be accomplished at home with the correct equipment and supplies. With enough practice, you'll be able to make gorgeous and one-of-a-kind works of art.

Almost all glassblowers in Croatia have gone out of business. The Museum of Ancient Glass in Zadar, however, houses the very last one. Explore the collection of historical artifacts. Climb to the second level to see glassblower Marko Stefanac at work in front of a 1,300°C furnace. Gaze in awe as he turns white hot glass into vases, jugs, and mementos. Glass blowing can be attempted by brave folks. However, keep in mind that the ultimate outcome may differ from Marko's.

A museum dedicated to ancient glass? Indeed, excavations at several Roman graves in and around Zadar discovered such a wealth of glass artefacts that they were deemed worthy of their own museum, which opened in 2006. It is a big museum housed in the lovely Cosmacendi Palace, a 19th century palace. Exhibits are well-lit and professionally labeled, and they describe the chemistry of glassmaking as well as its history and technological progress from prehistory to the Roman era (and beyond). Many galleries exhibit specimens of glass pieces from the Zadar excavations, emphasizing various methods as well as the pure beauty of the artifacts. The glass-blowing studio, where old skills are shown multiple times every day, is a particular feature.