A small beautiful island with a monastery in one of the most beautiful national parks in all of Croatia. Discover the special atmosphere of the island of Visovac, learn more about the centuries-old history of the monastery and experience Croatia from its quiet side on the island of Visovac.
Discover an important piece of Croatian culture in the heart of the National Park Krka Waterfalls in Dalmatia and visit the unique Franciscan monastery on the delightful and pristine small monastery island of Visovac on the lake of the same name. Escape the hustle and bustle and experience the tranquility and atmosphere of the Franciscan monastery on Visovac up close!
Untouched Nature of the Island of Visovac
While the National Park Krka Waterfalls is certainly impressive with its beautiful nature and unique colors of the numerous waterfalls, the small island of Visovac with its church and monastery is an important part of its charm. The island, surrounded by Lake Visovac, is part of the Krka National Park and is geographically located in the course of the Krka River between the Skradinski Buk waterfall and the Roski Slap waterfall.
Visovac owes its unique nature of the monastery island to its monks, who have carefully taken care of the conservation of the numerous plant species from the very beginning. In addition to the pines, which stretch up to the sky all over the island, there are around 195 different plant species on the island today, 80 of which are cultivated. The island is also home to numerous animals, such as peacocks and turtles, and even a boat trip to the island on the Krka River is a real natural spectacle.
The monks have transformed the small island in the Krka National Park into a true oasis of calm and expanded the island's shores, giving Visovac its characteristic shape. Enjoy the harmony of sacred architecture and untouched nature on Visovac and let yourself be impressed by the atmosphere created by it!
Culture and History of the Monastery on the Island of Visovac
The island of Visovac is one of the most important cultural treasures of Croatia, as it is the location of a centuries-old Franciscan monastery. In 1445 the first hermits of the Augustinian order came and built the small monastery of Our Lady of Mercy and the Church of Our Lady of Visovac. They dedicated the church and the monastery to the Apostle Paul on the island.
Franciscans settled the island in the 15th century and throughout its turbulent history the island remained a place of peace and prayer. Due to the centuries of devotion to Our Lady, Visovac is also called the island of Our Lady.
Today the Franciscan monastery, in which monks are still living in, has a rich collection of archaeological objects and historical vestments. There are also some manuscripts and books from the 15th century in the library of the Franciscan monastery, such as one of three editions of Aesop's fables.
The key element of the devotion to Our Lady is the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which the Franciscans brought with them when they settled once they left Bosnia after the Turkish invasion and sought refuge on the island. The importance of this veneration is particularly evident on the Assumption of Mary, an important holiday in Croatia, because on this day numerous Croatians come to the island of Visovac to celebrate mass together.
How to reach the monastery on Visovac?
As already mentioned, the island of Visovac and the monastery belong to the National Park Krka Waterfalls and so you can get to the island with the boats provided by the National Park. The Krka National Park organizes two- and four-hour boat tours that also include other places such as the Skradinski Buk and the Roski Slap waterfalls. In addition to the excursion boats of the park which take off in Skradin, there are also small boats which sail to Visovac from the small towns of Stinica and Remetic.
If you visit the island on Sundays, you can take the boats from Stinica or Remetic for free, which bring people to church at the time of the service. The trip takes about 5 minutes and the boats return right after the service. A trip with the normal excursion boats takes about 30 minutes.
If you are coming from Sibenik by car, the best way to get to Stinica is via the D33 road in the direction of Drnis, then follow the signs to the following places: Pakovo Selo - Kljuc - Drinovci - Stinica.
Villas near Visovac and the National Park Krka Waterfalls
Should you decide to visit and discover this dreamlike oasis of calm and awe, we will be happy to help you find your dream luxury holiday home near Visovac. Take a look at our range of villas in the Sibenik region and find the villa that meets all your needs to make not only a day trip, but also your accommodation a true oasis of calm.
We hope that this blog has been successful in giving you ideas for a day trip and has encouraged you to take a vacation to Croatia. If you are still looking for a luxury villa in Croatia, do not hesitate to take a look at our wide range of dream villas in Croatia. Whether rustic or modern, on the coast or in the hinterland, for the whole family or four-legged friends, you will find exactly the right thing with us! Adriatic Luxury Villas is at your disposal to find the right luxury villa in Croatia with private pool for you.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thanks for reading!
