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Perfect Souvenirs: Mini Maro and Baro

After receiving a permanent place in the Cultural History Museum, Dubrovnik’s two most famous bell strikers are now available to buy in souvenir form at the Rector’s Palace (Knezev dvor).

The souvenir ‘green ones’ were designed and brought to realisation completely in Croatia. 3D photographs of the originals were taken at the Ruder Boskovic Institute, whilst the copies and packaging were made by Zagreb firm, Pes & MarkoM graf. The figures are made of  zamak, zinc alloy, aluminum and bronze and stand at 15cm tall, weighing around 480g. They are packaged in individual boxes with the relative certificate and can be purchased as a pair.

The original Maro and Brao were commissioned in 1478 by  Dubrovnik’s City Council, built to actual size, at 151 cm tall and ‘dressed’ in roman soldier’s uniform complete with helmets. Michelozzo di Bartolomeo Michelozz from Florence was most likely their sculptor, having served in Dubrovnik.  After exposure to the elements Maro and Baro developed a green hue, hence their nickname ‘zelenci’ or ‘green ones’. The two rang the bell in Dubrovnik’s bell tower up until 1905 when they were removed, repaired and placed in a museum.

Director of Dubrovnik Museums, Pavica Vilac spoke of the product development, ”We worked on the copies with our partners for over a year…The job was very demanding, but now that we finally have them in our shops its with satisfaction that I can say we can be proud of them.”