Crucifixion route on the Bliznec trail destroyed: Here’s what’s happening
The Bliznec trail, adapted for persons with disabilities, is undergoing restoration, but the Crucifixion stations have been removed without notification to local authorities.
The Bliznec trail, located at the foot of Sljeme in Croatia, is a forest trail that has been adapted to be accessible for persons with disabilities. Recent restoration efforts have led to the removal of the Crucifixion stations that were installed along the trail, which has raised concerns among the local community and church authorities, particularly the Zagreb Archdiocese and the parish of Bešići, who were not informed about these changes. Photographs sent by a reader show that the stations, along with their texts, were carelessly discarded on the ground, with some parts even ending up in a stream.
Since 2003, the trail has featured the Crucifixion stations, crafted by local parishioners from the Parish of St. Peter and Paul in Bešići. These stations not only served a spiritual purpose but were also designed inclusively to cater to individuals with visual impairments, featuring texts in both regular and Braille formats in wooden 'books' positioned at each station. Although the Crucifixion route has undergone several partial renovations over the years, including one in 2017, it has remained vulnerable to weather conditions and vandalism, leading to deterioration over time, ultimately culminating in the current damage.
The lack of communication regarding the removal of the stations highlights a significant oversight in local governance and community involvement in preservation efforts. As this story unfolds, it raises questions about the responsibility of local authorities to inform stakeholders about changes impacting cultural and religious heritage, as well as the necessity for better protection of such community resources that foster inclusivity and spiritual reflection in nature.