OSOR
Osor is a very old and very beautiful place where everything you need is at most a five minute walk away. Whether you take a walk around the city walls, visit one of the many stone churches or old ruins of a monastery, sunbathe or swim at one of the surrounding beaches, stroll to the Bay of Bijar, probably one of the nicest pine shaded camp locations, or just relax and watch the hours go by in the house garden, you will certainly fall in love with this enchanting little place.
A BRIEF HISTORY
Osor is a tiny township and port on the island of Cres, located on the isthmus connecting islands of Cres and Losinj.
Owing to its strategic location in the Kvarner archipelago, Osor was a very important town in the history of the Adriatic. Remains of the mighty city walls stand as proof of power and wealth of this ancient center of commerce.
From times long gone men found this island group very suitable for habitation and survival. There is evidence of neolithic habitats on the island, in the caves near and around present town of Osor. The town itself was founded by the Illyrians, as a merchant hub on the "Amber road", the oldest known European sea and land transit route from Aegean to the Baltic sea.
During the Roman times, Osor was a highly developed and fortified town.
Archaelogical finds, building and fortification remnants dating to ancient Rome remain scattered throughout.
During the reign of the Byzantine Empire, in the Early Middle Ages, Osor lost none of its importance. Many sacral objects were built during those times.
Only after Venetian occupation, coinciding with outbreaks of malaria, did the decline of Osor begin, its place taken by the city of Cres.
After a brief period of independence, Osor fell under the French rule during Nepoleonic times, from 1797. until 1813., followed by Austrian Empire from 1813. until 1919., then Italian occupation from 1919. until 1943., when it finally became Croatian again.
OSOR TODAY
Today, Osor is a town with population of only 60 year round occupants, but its charm and warmth attract many tourists each summer. A walk through its cobbled streets lined with flowers is sure to bring a sense of happiness mixed with a barely noticeable hint of nostalgia. Somehow it feels like the voyage through the times past.
THE FESTIVAL - OSOR MUSICAL EVENINGS
During July and August, Osor hosts "Osor Musical Evenings" - classical music festival with performers from around the globe. The town really comes to life during performances, as guests from nearby towns all flock to the Osor main square.
There are two beaches in the immediate vicinity of the house. The town beach is located only a few dozen meters from this house, whil the bay of Bijar is less than 10 minute walk away (start in the northwardly direction and take a left by the town cemetery).
A TOWN IN A MOUNTAIN SHADE
The Osorscica hill overlooks Osor from the adjacent island of Losinj and is a popular trekking route for all outdoors loving visitors, with a wonderful view from the top as a prize for the adventurous.
FOR SOME AWESOME PICS OF THE TOWN, VISIT THE GALLERY
SERVICES