Ecomuseum and Memorial collection Erminio Vojvoda
Istrian de Dignan – Ecomuseum
Vodnjan's ecomuseum is a unique place where tradition, culture and local products come together.
Within a rustic environment, respecting the traditions and customs of the town's ancestors, you can discover a new experience of the town: the flavours, smells and customs are combined, providing a unique and innovative way of sightseeing Vodnjan, a destination that is rich with natural local products.
The ecomuseum is located in the heart of the old town, on the main square. It displays many tools and objects that were once part of everyday life of the native population. Here you can sample local food and drinks, learn about the usage of stone, steel and wood through a guided tour of the museum.
www.istrian.org

Memorial collection Erminio Vojvoda
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.