Found in the middle of a lake in a Croatian national park lies a stunning oval-shaped island. (Image: Getty)
Forty years ago, the stunning Krka River region in central Dalmatia, was declared a .
It boasts 860 species and subspecies of plants, 18 species of fish, numerous birds of prey including eagles and falcons, and a beautiful collection of But it is perhaps best-known for its oval shape.
Set on the island of Visovac lies a Catholic monastery of the same name, which stands as a living example of centuries of .
Its roots trace back to the 14th century when it was founded by Augustinian monks. Initially dedicated to the Apostle Paul, the monastery underwent several transformations, eventually becoming a refuge for Franciscan monks who sought solace amidst the turmoil of invading forces.
Today, the monastery is a top tourist destination in the Dalmatia region. It is accessible only by boat and offers visitors the chance to explore its breathtaking natural surroundings—a world away from the hustle and bustle of the country’s most popular cities, like and Split.
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The island itself has over 17 metres of coastline and has a near-perfect oval shape. (Image: Getty)
Part of the Franciscan Province of the Most Holy Redeemer based in , because of its long-standing devotion to Jesus’s mother Visovac is also called “Mother of God Island”.
It also houses a collection of prized possessions like a rare early book of Aesop’s fables, printed in 1487, and a collection of documents known as “the sultan’s edicts,” which shed light on the complex relationship between religion and politics in the region.
A sabre once belonging to Vuk Mandušić, one of the best-loved heroes of epic poetry, is also housed at Visovac.
The oldest part of the complex dates from the 14th century, though a new monastery was constructed in the 18th century.
The island itself has over 17 metres of coastline and has a near-perfect oval shape. The southeastern side of the island has an adjacent elongated triangular-shaped shallow shelf.
For the best view, head to the Viewpoint Visovac Monastery on the mainland where you can experience breathtaking views of not just the island but also the lush greenery of the national park and the vibrant blue waters of Krka River.
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The boats are run for free by Monastery’s vessels on Sundays and last just over five minutes. (Image: Getty)
Visovac is a 10-minute drive from Drniš, around four miles from Skradin. The boats are run for free by Monastery’s vessels on Sundays and last just over five minutes.
On all other days, the easiest way to reach the island is to take either an excursion boat from Skradin in Krka National Park or an excursion boat from Stinice and Remetic.
“We visited the Visovac Franciscan Monastery with a two-year-old and had a delightful, brief visit,” wrote one visitor on Tripadvisor. “Ten priests and novitiates study and pray here in an idyllic setting with well-manicured gardens. Start at the museum and you’ll be surprised at the diverse collection… You reach the island via [a] pleasant 40-45 minute boat ride that departs from Krka National Park above the falls.”
Another wrote: “As soon as I saw the picture of the monastery in a tiny island surrounded by turquoise water, I knew I had to see it. I decided not to take the boat as that did not give me the bird’s eye view. Instead I wanted to find the viewing spot from the vantage point.
“I realised the best and easiest spot was to go to the monument of Peter, the last king of Croatia. It was easy drive from Roski slap (fantastic place by the way) and the Google Maps directions are accurate.”