Enjoying the breathtaking nature and peace on the small island of Visovac is a great motive to escape the city rush. The energy of this tiny place is truly magnificent, with the pine trees and the wonderful lake surrounding the island giving it a very soothing vibe!
Visovac's culture and history
Visovac was first settled by hermits of the Order of St. Augustine. They built a small monastery and a church dedicated to St. Paul the Apostle on the island. After they left, Franciscans arrived on the island and took over. Since the mid-fifteenth century, a Franciscan monastery and the Church of Our Lady of Visovac are located there. The combination of sacral architecture and beautiful nature makes this a great idea for a day trip!
The monastery itself has a valuable archaeological collection and a collection of various historical objects and a library. Be sure to check out the rare illustrated copy of Aesop's Fables which was printed in 1487. It's one of only three in the world!
Visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy a lovely lapidarium on the island through which they can explore the island's past, and there is a neat little souvenir shop where you can buy something to remind you of this lovely trip.
Visovac's nature
Apart from the culture and history, Visovac is also know for its lush nature because there are almost 200 different plant species growing here. There are also several different types of animals you can meet, such as peacocks and tortoises, so you can rest assured you will be able to relax and recharge your batteries here even if you're not a spiritual person.
But you certainly have to hand it to the monks – they've done a splendid job maintaining this island and making it the oasis that it is today. As a matter of fact, over the years, they artificially expanded the island's coast, giving it its current shape.
How to get there?
If you can get to the village of Stinice or Remetic near Bristane on a Sunday, you're lucky – you will be able to catch a free ride with the monks who are transporting people to the mass. The ride lasts only five minutes, but it's an exceptionally beautiful experience, and you really should try to make room for it in your schedule if at all possible.
If you don't hitch a ride with the monks, you can always get a ride from those same places with an excursion boat, and the fare is 50 kunas (about 7 EUR).
National Park Krka Croatia organizes 2-hour boat trips to Skradinski buk waterfall. The 4-hour ride includes Roški slap waterfall too, as well as a 30-minute visit to Visovac Island. You can also hop on a boat ride from Skradinski buk to Visovac for about 100 kunas (about 13 EUR).
Visovac Trivia
Only 10 monks live here and the mass is held every Sunday. In their collection there's also a prayer book printed in the Gutenberg Museum in Mainz which was actually the smallest book in the world at the time it was printed. It's only 3,5 millimeters wide and tall!
Also, did you know that movies about American natives were filmed here? These include stories about Winnetou and Chief Karl May!
Check out villas near Šibenik and villas in Croatian countryside and be sure to take a trip to Visovac island Croatia as the boat ride there is a true experience just like the visit itself.
