The Visovac Monastery is a Franciscan (Roman Catholic) monastery located on a tiny islet in Visovac Lake inside Krka National Park. It was founded in the 14th century, and the complex was expanded in 1445. It is one of Croatia’s most important historical, cultural, and religious centres.
Location: Visovac Island, within Krka National Park
Address: 22324, Brištane, Croatia
Built: 14th century, expanded in 1445
Architect(s): Augustinian monks, Franciscan monks
Function: Monastery and religious centre
Visovac Monastery was established by monks from the Order of St. Augustine in the 14th century on Visovac Island when it was little more than a small rock in the lake. In 1445, Franciscan monks who had arrived and settled here from Bosnia, expanded the tiny islet. Over the next centuries, they added more buildings to the complex, including the Church of Our Lady of Visovac and a bell tower.
The monastery remained a religious centre throughout the Middle Ages. Between the 16th and the 19th centuries, it acquired a rich collection of religious art, manuscripts, books dating back to the medieval period, reliquaries, and clerical clothing. It is home to a rare illustrated copy of Aesop’s Fables, printed in 1487, which is one of only three in the world, and a 17th century sword belonging to a Croatian military leader.
Over the centuries, the monastery fell into disrepair. It was reconstructed in the 18th century, but parts of the 14th century complex have still been preserved.
Today, Visovac Monastery is open to visitors, who can reach the island by boat from various points around Krka National Park. You can explore the monastery, its church, museum, bell tower, library, and extensive collection of artefacts. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy the tranquil natural surroundings of the island and lake.
You don’t need to purchase separate tickets to visit the monastery as it is included in your Krka National Park tickets.
Visovac Island is accessible by boat from Skradinski buk and Roški slap from April to October.
The monastery has historical, cultural, and religious significance in Croatia. It has been an important spiritual centre since the Middle Ages. With its collection of art and artefacts, it serves as a repository of Croatian cultural heritage and is considered a symbol of Croatian national identity.
Apart from viewing the collection of historical artefacts in its museum, you can admire the stunning views of Krka National Park from a unique vantage point on Visovac Island, and enjoy this peaceful corner of the park.
The monastery is located on Visovac Island, which is set in the middle of Visovac Lake, within the boundaries of the national park.
Visovac Island has been a religious centre since the 1300s. The monastery and its complex were built sometime between 1445 and 1460. After falling into disrepair over the centuries, it was reconstructed in the 18th century. However, parts of the 14th century complex have been preserved and can still be seen today.
Krka National Park Tickets
Full-day Guided Trip to Krka National Park with Boat Ride & Swimming
From Split: Full-Day Trip to Krka National Park with Boat Ride & Swimming without Entry Tickets
