Ošljak - Lazaret
Ošljak Island is a real treat. If you want to truly enjoy nature, visit this island without traffic. For getting around the island, choose walking. Ošljak has a footpath that encircles the island, a little bit over two kilometers long. The whole island is a protected park-forest and a natural habitat for a variety of protected species of birds. Visiting the peak of Ošljak, which is only 89m high, is very simple and offers a wonderful panorama.
Although small, the island has been inhabited since ancient times, judging from the remains of a villa rustica. Situated within the complex of the villa is an early medieval church of St. Jerome. The church was partitioned in the 15th century. Nowadays, it is dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is why the local inhabitants celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Blessed Virgin Mary (locally called ‘Vela Gospa’) on the 15th of August.
In the 18th century, as a response to the needs of the surrounding islands, windmills were built on Ošljak. Take a promenade around the island and visit the mill remains from times gone by. On the elevated part of the island, a large water collection reservoir was built in the 20th century, gathering rainwater and supplying the entire island with water.
Wonderful Ošljak coves and intact nature are a source of pleasure in summer and winter days. The lighthouse, the bunker from World War II, the old school and Mediterranean architecture all speak about the turbulent life of the island. Contemporary Ošljak has only 30 inhabitants and it is the smallest inhabited island of the Croatian Adriatic sea. It still doesn’t have a grocery shop so if you intend to stay longer, you need to get yourself well stocked.
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