Croatian round-house symbolises shared tradition in Peak District

Known as a “kažun,” the limestone round-house is a gift from the Republic of Croatia as part of a series of events to mark its accession to the European Union at the beginning of July. An opening ceremony with Croatian dignitaries, morris dancing and Croatian music will be held on July 5.

Kažuni are small, circular shelters with conical roofs built mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries for farm workers and animals in the limestone countryside of Istria, whose regional government has supported the scheme.

At Parsley Hay, the kažun will be used for education visits and as a shelter for walkers and cyclists, with information panels about the Peak District and European heritage.

The project’s organisers – Nenad Bicanic, emeritus professor of civil engineering at the University of Glasgow, and dry stone walling restorer Branko Obanic – chose a site in the Peak District National Park because of its shared heritage of dry stone walling and links with the Council of Europe and the European Union.

Peak District National Park chief executive Jim Dixon said: “We are delighted to welcome the kažun which symbolises the continuing traditions we share with Croatia. The work celebrates our connection with Europe, and the building will add to people’s enjoyment of the Tissington and High Peak trails.”