Page 130 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Croatia

128  CRO A TIA AREA B Y AREA

p Vis

Further out in the Adriatic than the other Dalmatian islands,
Vis was until 1989 a closed military base. Now gradually being
rediscovered by intrepid travellers, it has a jagged coastline
with beaches, and an inland mountain chain with Mount Hum
reaching a height of 587 m (1,925 ft). The island was chosen
by Dionysios of Syracuse as a base for Greek domination of
the Adriatic. The Greeks founded the town of Issa – now Vis
town – here. Later the island was ruled by the Romans, then
the Byzantines and, from 1420, the Venetians. The island
played a key role during World War II – in 1944 Marshal
Tito used it as a base for co-ordinating partisan military
operations. Crucial meetings between partisans, the Yugoslav
government in exile and the Allies were also held on Vis. The pretty town of Komiža and its
sheltered harbour
Vis Town monument in the form of a a small walled enclosure
The main town of Vis is ranged lion recalls the great sea battle honouring those who died
along the shores of a deep, that took place near here while stationed here during
broad bay. On a hillside behind between the Austrian and both the Napoleonic Wars and
a group of tennis courts are the Italian navies in 1866. World War II. A short walk uphill
remains of an ancient Greek On the southern side of Vis to the north of the town lie
cemetery, where you can see town’s bay is the Renaissance reminders of the early-19th-
the remains of tombstones left church of Our Lady of Spilica century British occupation
by the town’s first inhabitants. (Gospa od Spilica), with a of Vis – the King George III
Further along the north side painting by Girolamo di Fortress and the Bentich
of the bay are remnants of Santacroce. Occupying a Tower. Both are empty shells
Roman mosaics, once part former Austrian gun battery today, but are set in beautiful
of a 2nd-century baths is the Town Museum, with a countryside with good views.
complex. Just beyond, the rich collection of Greek and
Franciscan Monastery Church Roman vases and amphorae. E Town Museum
sits on a small peninsula Further north, the suburb of Gospina batarija. n (021) 711 729.
bordered by pebble beaches. Kut is a charming warren of Open Jun–Sep: 9am–1pm, 5–9pm
Also on the peninsula is the alleyways and piazzas. Beyond Mon–Fri, 9am–1pm Sat; Oct–May:
town’s graveyard, where a Kut lies the British Cemetery, by appt for groups only.

Key
Minor road
Stončica
Vis
Komiža VIS
Podstražje

BIŠEVO

0 kilometres 3
0 miles 3

For keys to symbols see back flap

128-129_EW_Croatia.indd 128 20/10/16 12:32 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Catalogue template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 1st October 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm