The Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy, and the Church of Our Lady of Visovac, have stood here since 1445. With their magnificent grounds, they form a unique entity.
Visovac Island is among the most important natural and cultural values of the Republic of Croatia. Since 1445, this has been the site of the Franciscan monastery of Our Lady of Mercy, and the Church of Our Lady of Visovac. With their magnificent grounds and surrounded by Visovac Lake, this forms a unique entity. During its stormy history, Visovac was and has remained an island of peace and prayer, and the Franciscan monastery is a fortress of spirituality and faith, and one of the key foundation stones of the survival of the Croats and the preservation of the Croatian national identity. The monastery possesses a significant archaeological collection, a collection of historical church linens and dishes, and a rich library with many valuable books and incunabula.
The centre of worship for the Mother of God at Visovac is the painting of the Virgin. According to the legend, the Franciscans brought the painting with them when they were forced to flee Bosnia during the Turkish invasions, and they found new shelter at Visovac. Due to the centuries of worship of Our Lady, the island of Visovac is also called Our Lady’s Island.
