The House of the World Tree

Since time immemorial, people have sought answers and explanations for the natural phenomena that surround them, often through mythical concepts that personify natural forces and cosmic order. These ancient myths continue to resonate, leaving their mark on landscapes, traditions, and communities, as seen in the pastoral hamlet of Trebišća, on the slopes of the Učka mountain in Croatia.

The pastoral hamlet Trebišća is an authentic place to experience and convey the mythology of the ancient Slavic ancestors – Proto-Slavs, brought to life through the “The House of the World Tree” interpretation center. Centuries ago, the Proto-Slavs left different traces in the surrounding landscape, such as toponyms, language, traditional customs, and practices. The permanent exhibition introduces visitors to the traditional way of life through the seasons, as well as to the local flora and fauna, which represent the manifestation of the gods to the Proto-Slavic ancestors, showing that some of these practices have been preserved to this day.

The House of the World Tree breathes new life into a rural stone house whose interior embodies the main exhibition narrative in the form of a monumental model of a tree - the world tree - a Proto-Slavic cosmological concept that introduces visitors to key mythological figures and their influence on human life. Through thoughtfully designed exhibits, visitors can explore key mythological figures such as the gods Veles and Perun, their connection to annual agrarian cycles, and consequently their influence on the lives of local people over the centuries. The exhibition involves the local community, utilizing oral histories, traditional objects, and personal narratives to enrich the exhibition's authenticity. The exhibition emphasizes the importance of preservation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage and cultural landscape, as integral parts of the local identity.

The interpretation center is a part of the unique heritage network under the Mošćenička Draga Ecomuseum. The ecomuseum values sustainability and active citizen participation in preserving shared heritage and offers insights into the ancient myth of coexistence between humans and nature.