Visovac Island

Visovac is a small, wooded island in the middle of Lake Visovac, a broad stretch of the Krka river inside Krka National Park, in central Dalmatia. It is one of the most picturesque places in the park: a green islet of cypresses and holm oaks, ringed by calm turquoise water, with a Franciscan monastery and a white church on its highest point. The island can only be reached by boat, and the crossing from the landing places on the lake is half the pleasure, since the boats glide across a still surface surrounded by wooded hills.

The island's history is a long one. A community of monks settled here in the later Middle Ages, and a church was dedicated to Our Lady in the middle of the fifteenth century, which is often taken as the date of the foundation of the monastery. In the following centuries, the area came under Ottoman control, and the Franciscans remained on their island, at times sheltering refugees and keeping alive the Christian presence in the region. The monastery therefore carries a special meaning for the Croatian Catholic community, and it has been rebuilt and restored several times. The present church and monastery buildings are mostly from the eighteenth century, with a cloister and a small bell tower.

The monastery holds a library and a collection of objects that give a glimpse into the life of the community over the centuries. Among its treasures are old printed books, including a rare book from the earliest period of printing with the fables of Aesop, and documents from the Ottoman era, such as decrees issued by the sultan that gave the friars permission to stay and protected them. Visitors are generally allowed into the church and into a small museum, as well as the garden and the grounds, though the monastery is a living religious community and some areas are private. Opening times depend on the boat schedule and on the friars, so check ahead, and dress modestly.

Boats to the island leave from several points, among them Skradinski Buk and Stinice and Remetić, and the boat trip is often included in the park's tour programme. The route passes the Serbian Orthodox monastery of Krka, another sacred place on the river, in some itineraries. Krka National Park itself is known for its waterfalls, such as Skradinski Buk and Roški Slap, and its walkways, and the other sights in the park are listed in this guide, including the fortress of Ključica and Manojlovac waterfall.

Bring a hat, water and sun protection, since there is little shade on the boat. The island suits those who like history, quiet and scenery. Allow an hour or two on the island itself.