Veli Losinj
Veli Lošinj is located in a narrow bay on the southeastern side of the island of Lošinj, at the foot of St. Ivan hill. With nearly 1.000 inhabitants, it is the third largest settlement on this group of islands.
Certainly is a town as far as appearances going. The high houses around the port and the numerous villas with nice gardens are the main characteristics of Veli Lošinj. There is a impressive baroque parish church with a tall bell tower rising at the very seaside. The first church, St. Anthony the Hermit, was built in the 15th century. In the 17th century it was replaced in the same spot by a larger church. Today is church, still at this same location, was built in 1774. Thanks to the captains of Veli Lošinj, today this church possesses the largest collection of artistic paintings on the Kvarner.
On the opposite side of the port, in the second row of houses you will discover a tower with battlements. The tower was raised in the 16th century for defense of the port and was then on the very waterfront. The figure of this tower has become the motive for the coat of arms of Veli Lošinj.
While strolling along the narrow streets of Veli Lošinj, trough the garden gates you will be able to see the splendid villas of former captains, ship owners and the rich upper class. Around eighty various plant species have been assembled in the gardens of these villas. In the park of Veli Lošinj,
In front of the today's hospital and the former residence of the archduke Carl Stephan, there is an even larger number of botanical species, around 200.
Somewhat more northwards, around the 15th century chapel of St. Nicholas, you will experience another feature of this settlement. It is assumed Veli Lošinj or Velo Selo (Big Village), as it was once called, stems from here. If you had the feeling of being in a 19th century town while you were in the main port, you will
Experience a real fishermen's atmosphere in Rovenska, the southern port. Small houses encircle the small round port and white fishing boats dot the sea and the spillway. In 1854 the archduke Maximilian (later the Emperor of Mexico) laid the cornerstone for the large breakwater in front of Rovenska.
Places to visit
- The parish church of St. Anthony the Hermit (before 1480); from 1774 in baroque aspect; numerous works of art and an organ by master builder Callido, Vivarini: Virgin with Child and Saints; reliquary of St. Gregory
- The church of Our Lady of the Angels built about 1600
- The park - botanical garden «Podjavori» with the former winter - palace «See Watch» of the Habsburg Archduke Charles Stephen
- Rovenska: the breakwater from 1854.
- The chapel of St. John on the hill named by the saint: panoramic view of Veli Lošinj and Mali Lošinj
- The Tower of Veli Lošinj dates back to 1445, and it was built for defense of the harbor from pirate attacks from the sea. It is the symbol of the town and a motif on the crest of Veli Lošinj. Today, it houses a museum and a gallery where you can see a copy of Apoxiomen (more...) - a life - size antique bronze statue of a Greek athlete, 2000 years old, whose original was found in Lošinj seabed.
- Lošinj educational marine center in Veli Lošinj , where you can find out more about Lošinj seabed and the dolphin colony living here, with multimedia and interactive projections, exhibits and lectures. Use the opportunity, adopt a dolphin, and participate in their preservation and studying. (more...)
- Painting atelier Levinger; Garina 5; 051 236 103; open every day from 18:00 till 22:00; Nenad Levinger water-color artist had plenty of exhibitions in Europe such as USA
- Decorative plants and bonsai; Bonsai; Slavojna; 051 236 496
Maps and cityplans can be found here.