Visovac Island did not always bear that name; in the oldest historical documents, it is referred to as Bila stina. It was on this "White Rock" that Augustinians first settled, followed by the Franciscans who, despite numerous historical hardships, have remained there to this day. The Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy and the Church of Our Lady of Visovac are structures that, surrounded by tall poplars and cypresses, dominate this tiny island in the middle of the shimmering Visovac Lake. Besides being a popular Marian shrine, also known as the Island of Our Lady, Visovac serves as a novitiate for future Franciscans, as its isolation from the world and beautiful natural surroundings make it an ideal place for contemplation.

‍

‍

The painting of Our Lady, which legend says the Franciscans brought to Visovac while fleeing the Ottomans, has been an object of veneration for countless pilgrims for centuries. There are two Marian feasts in August when the faithful flock to the island: Our Lady of the Angels and the Assumption of Mary. However, it is not only pilgrims who visit this island; it is also a tourist destination, most commonly reached via boat excursions from Skradinski Buk or the nearby Roški Slap waterfall.

‍

‍

The monastery museum and library, with their rich collections, bear witness to the fact that Visovac is one of the most valuable sacred and cultural centers in Croatia. Although small and vulnerable, it has managed to preserve both the spiritual and material heritage of the Croatian people throughout the centuries. The greatest curiosities of the monastery collections include the smallest book in the world, containing the text of the Lord's Prayer in seven languages, a rare edition of Aesop's Fables, a firman (decree) from Sultan Mehmed IV dating back to 1674, and the sword of the folk hero Vuk Mandušić.

‍

‍

Given that St. Francis of Assisi, the founder and patron of the Franciscan Order, is also the patron saint of animals and the environment, the harmony between the flora and fauna on this pearl of the Krka River comes as no surprise. Along with ducks and swans, you will see peacocks proudly fanning their tails, and among the traditional Mediterranean plants typical of monastery gardens, you will even encounter exotic banana trees. Add a friar in a brown habit to this scene, and you have the perfect postcard from Visovac.

Visovac can be visited as part of a boat excursion from Skradinski buk and Roški slap, or via a shorter boat ride from the Stinice and Remetić departure points. We recommend checking the Krka National Park website for all information regarding ticket prices, opening hours, and boat departure times. Please also note that appropriate attire is required when visiting Visovac.