Cres is a mountainous island 66 km long and in width from 2-12 km. The coastline is rugged and long, about 247.7 km and has many coves and pebble beaches along the west and south, while northern and eastern part of the laureate steep and rough rocks. The highest peaks of the island are Gorica (648m) and Sis (638m).
As a special attraction should be noted the unusual occurrence of a natural freshwater lake Vrana, measuring 5.75 square kilometers, the approximate volume of 220 million m3. Level of the lake is above the surrounding sea, and its bottom is below sea level at a depth of 74m.
Cres characterized by great contrasts between the northern sub-Mediterranean area with high and dense forests of oak, hornbeam, elm and chestnut, and central and southern parts of the Mediterranean, which is abundant pastures bare and thick underbrush.
The great wealth of flora (about 1300 species) and fauna, with an exceptional number of endemic and relict species, is a real challenge for nature lovers. On Cres is also one of the last habitats of rare birds - the griffon vulture. After two years of scientific research colony on the island in which they reside are declared "a special ornithological reserve."
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A long and interesting history of these islands is primarily a result of geographical position, climate and topography. The islands of Cres and Losinj archipelago was inhabited probably by the end of the Paleolithic, as evidenced by finding the remains of the Stone Age. first began to build stone houses Illyrians, namely Liburni. In the first century BC the predominant influence of Rome, when the increasing importance given the existing settlements and Osor Cres, and develop new. After the dogs of the Western Roman Empire Cres came under Byzantine rule the next 6 centuries. During the seventh century in this area arrive Croats and slowly dominate. Beginning of the 9th century short, these islands fall under the authority of the Franks of Charlemagne, it would soon again be returned to Byzantium. About 882nd The Croatia first appeared as an independent state, and Cres and Osor, still under the Byzantine Empire, the Croats pay tribute. During the reign of Prince Tomislav (910th to 928th) and Cres Osor fall under the Croatian government. That would be followed by Tomislav's death came back to Byzantium. Ninth day of May 1000th The Venetian Doge Orseolo entering the Osor and wins the islands without a fight. Because of the weakening of the islands of Venice again overwhelmed Byzantium, a late 11th c. return the Croatian government. Twelfth century passes in a constant change of Venetian and Hungarian authorities, to the late 12th century Venetians firmly occupied the islands. Late 14th century re-conquered by the Hungarians, to 1409th year was abolished Cres Osor principalities, the islands became a special administrative unit of Venice. Late 18th century here briefly ruled by the Austrians, then Napoleon and Austria again, this time for a full hundred years. After the end of World War II, these islands are Rapalskim contract awarded to Italy, after its capitulation in 1947 returned to Croatian Heritage.
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White is one of the oldest and most Cres past settlements. Fortified settlement situated at 130 m high hill above the east coast of the northern part of the island, the site of prehistoric ruins. Today it is a typical coastal village dense, rich cultural and historical sights.
The ECO CENTER "Caput Insulae" that are intensively engaged in implementing programs to preserve natural diversity, indigenous values and cultural and historical heritage of the island. In order to better understanding of heritage Tramontana established a network of eco-educational trails, as well as a unique exhibition entitled "History and Art in nature". The center building is a permanent exhibition entitled "Biodiversity of the Cres-Lošinj archipelago, which begins a tour of the exhibition in nature. Also carried out the integral protection of griffon vultures.
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Cres's administrative center and largest settlement on the island. Cres is a fortified town, dense urban structure, located at the bottom of a sheltered bay on the west side of the island. Today the area Cres extends in the shape of a horseshoe along the northern edge of the large Cres port, which extends the length of 1800 meters and a width of 800 meters. The central position in relation to island area and favorable position in relation to maritime routes and links with major northern port centers have provided a leadership role on Cres island.
Cres has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by prehistoric ruins. The fortified settlement developed along the coast, below the ridge of the island where the prehistoric ruins and ancient castles (Crexa, Crepsa), on the opposite side of the abandoned Christian and early Croatian settlement in Lovreska Cove on the east side of the island.
The town was built during the Middle Ages, in 1332 a statute, and from 1459 year, at the time of Venetian rule, it takes away from Osor function of economic and administrative center of the Cres-Losinj archipelago.
The old town center, surrounded by walls in a rectangular shape with five towers and several city gates, formed before the end of the Venetian rule, and except for a few upgrades later, was preserved until today. Today marks the space of the medieval harbor "mandrač, Gothic and Renaissance churches and monasteries, palaces of noble families and the remains of town walls. Until the end of the period of Venetian Cres is solely within the city walls but outside the urban area are the only two monasteries. The major changes resulting development of shipping and shipbuilding in the mid 19th st
The most important cultural and historical buildings in Cres are:
1st Three city gates, Bragadina, and the doors of St. Marcel. Nicholas from the 16th st
2nd Round, corner tower on the northwest side of town
3rd Church of Sv. Isidore of the 12th st
4th A series of Gothic, Late Gothic and Renaissance churches and churches of which the most important church of Sv. Mary Snow from the 16 century bell tower of the 18th st
5th City hall with a pillory
6th Franciscan monastery from about the year 1300 Church St. Francis from the 14 century bell tower of the 18th st
7th Benedictine monastery in the 15th st
8th Petris family palace from the 15th century which houses a museum
9th A number of other Renaissance palaces of noble families Cres.
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Watermelons are predpovijesno resort, rustic town of old, like Osor and White, about 4000 years. Located on a cliff (378 m) which literally crashes into the sea. Place the ovals, and through it, the south-north direction by two parallel winding streets. Due to strategic reasons, Watermelons are located on one of the most unusual sites in our archipelago. With these, in fact, highlighted points could easily monitor the area to the Vrana Lake and the fairway through the Kvarner. The city was once surrounded by walls. Can still be seen in the northern part of town, where one of the city gates. The second gate located on the south side, slightly lower than the current entrance to the town.
If you're ready for a nice trip on foot, down to the Port bays. There were once Lubenička fishermen drew their boats, and you are there you can swim. Bays reap, which is located a little farther south, hides the blue grotto, a beautiful cave at sea level. Do inlets hiking trails, and on this road you will take next lubeničkih vineyards. Before you leave this ancient city, treat yourself with prosciutto, goat cheese and wine in the buffet located next to the tower.
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Unlike other island resorts, which are either coastal or continental type, Osor is an ancient city at the crossroads of inland and ocean views. It is accommodation at the junction between the islands of Cres and Losinj are a prerequisite for the development of this settlement, his boom, after the disaster.
For the sons repeatedly been mentioned that these islands were settled long ago in prehistory, but still recognizable roads and paths are witness to a very lively traffic that flowed between the former settlements. A large part of the island traffic is being funneled into Osor. The island's roads is directly passed through the town, not like today, outside the city walls.
Because of the way coastal navigation and well-sheltered bays in the vicinity, Osor in shipping traffic was almost inevitable port. It is assumed that the Kavuada (Cavanella) strait that now separates the islands of Cres and Losinj, dug sometime during the Roman rule. However, it is very likely that previously had been charged or otherwise ships transported overland (on rollers), so that the passage still had to pay a fee. Since the first payment was done in kind, after the money, the city is developing very fast exchange of goods, trade, various crafts and the like.
Rulers and regimes that ruled Osor because these are the reasons for controlling traffic through the town, and collected taxes. Today's Osor city museum. Wherever we turn we drive or a hoe, we find traces of the past.
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Museum in Cres - located in the building "Arsan" - birthplace of the Renaissance philosopher and writer Francis Petric (Franciscus Patritius 1521 to 1567). The ground floor has a large collection of amphorae from the second and 3 Ct. Kr. and lapidary. On the lower floor of the archaeological artifacts from various periods, and a collection of books.
Museum in Osor - Located in the former town hall. The ground (line) is located in lapidary Roman, early Christian and medieval periods. On the first floor is a collection of archaeological objects from different eras - from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages. Is a valuable collection of silver coins Republican. There is imaketa former and current Osor so it can be, figuratively, to walk through the history of this once important insular town.
Osorske musical evening is certainly the most famous traditional cultural event in these islands, and outside of it. It is held continuously since 1976. year, approximately half of July to mid August. In addition to famous works of classical music by the world, and regularly performed works by Croatian composers. If you're a fan of classical music in comfortable surroundings Osor cathedral, you'll experience during the OGV's wonderful moments.
With Osorske musical evenings, there are also other cultural events - "Days of Music" in Mali Losinj, "Lubenice evenings, theater performances from Mali Losinj and Rijeka, and the occasional solo concerts of classical music by Croatian artists.
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Genuine pearls of the island are certainly its countless beaches, mostly located on the western shores of the bay of St.. Blaze and the bay Ustrine. Some of them are like the empty shells, disappearing slowly in the azure blue sea. These bays are centuries of rain and washed the waves that shaped and smooth the rocky sediments from which these beaches originated. Do any of these beaches can be reached by ancient paths through the rocks and olive groves, accompanied by scents of rosemary, thyme and mint. Others are camping in places like Camp Slatina, nearly 500 meters long beach and the other can be reached only by sea. To reach them, we must take daily excursion boats and tours that are also the only opportunity to visit "Blue Grota" in the Bay reaps.
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