Restoration of the “Freedom” monument by Antun Augustinčić in Gradac

Story

History

The Gradac Municipality is the center of the Upper Littoral municipality, which consists of five beautiful places under the karst  Biokovo mountain – Drvenik, Zaostrog, Podaca, Brist and Gradac.

This is the place of a very long and rich history of human life, so traces of human existence can be found in these coves since ancient times. This is the birthplace of one of the oldest communities on the eastern shores of the Adriatic, where generations of brave people lived in their ancient principality of Morenia.

Throughout history and up to our times, these mountains and this sea were the border between empires, kingdoms, states and religions, and our ancestors, those proud border guards, defended their way of life with their blood and brave hearts.

We, who today inherit this true beauty, these beautiful coves, where every year many people from all over the world come to us, to admire this beauty and to enjoy these gifts of the hills, the sun and the sea, at least for a short time – we have inherited this truly a natural paradise. We got it, but with the mission to leave it equally beautiful and valuable to our great-grandchildren!

One day, not so far away, this nation decided to erect a monument to its place, its existence, its sacrifice, and its own courage, pride and love of freedom through all time.

The people erected a monument to themselves, their ancestors and descendants to witness the price of freedom and courage to fight for the right to a dignified life. This is the true meaning of the monument, which for many years stood on the oldest Grač fortress – Gradina and became one of the destinations of many tourists, which dominates both Grač bays with its viewpoint. Next to the mul, Stari porat and the church of St. Michael was known as the real attraction of these bays.

Our wish

Considering that 50 years ago it was conceived as a beautiful viewpoint and a tourist attraction that did not become that, today we just want to return for a moment to that idea of the past and bring back the stylized figure of a man-fighter who with outstretched arms towards the open sea strives for the freedom it symbolizes, and what is the value of both the past and the present.

In a series of realized projects, it was the turn of this restoration project, because no monument has a place below, on the ground, where it stands now, but it has a place on a pedestal, all the more so because it is the only monument of our great and internationally recognized artist Antun Augustinčić in Dalmatia the coast.

Investment plan

The Gradac Municipality, following the example of foreign fundraising practices aimed at infrastructure construction and renovation, launched a crowdfunding campaign to collect donations through which the realization of the renovation is planned in 2023.

According to the cost list, more than 130 000 euros is needed for renovation, casting of the statue in bronze, and construction works.

Donate now

Let the emphasis not be on the clumsy and unfortunate events of the past, but on the will and desire of the local people for a more agile and happy present and future. How else to achieve this than by investing and advocating for the right values.

We thank everyone in advance for their response and participation in the project of all of us, because the national monument and its restoration are in our hands.

Basic information about the campaign owner

Name of organization: Gradac Municipality
Address: Stjepana Radića 3, 21330 Gradac
Representative: Matko Burić
Email: info@opcinagradac.hr
Tel.: 021/697-601
Website: www.opcinagradac.hr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Obnova-spomenika-Slobodi-Antuna-Augustin%C4%8Di%C4%87a-u-Gradcu-105759488847485
YouTube: Općina Gradac
OIB: 43460605025