Mali Lošinj

MALI LOŠINJ TOWN

It is located in the Augusta bay, the biggest protected bay on these islands. It has 6,500 inhabitants, which puts it in the first place among all others Adriatic islands. Its beginnings go back to 12. century when twelve Croatian families came to the island and formed a settlement in the bay of St. Martin. The first settlers were farmers who later on turned to fishing, showed interest in maritime business and shipbuilding. Gradually the settlement moved to the actual Mali Lošinj harbour. The golden years of Mali Lošinj were in 19. century thanks to the sea and shipbuilding.
Due to the big changes and crises in shipbuilding in the area ( the invention of the steamship) it seemed that prospects of Mali Lošinj were not great. Thanks to a discovery of the effect of Lošinj's mild climate on people's health and the beginning of the new industry, tourism, the new period in Lošinj's history began.
Today Mali Lošinj is one of the main tourist resorts in the Adriatic, famous and recognized all over Europe by tourists who keep on visiting it again and again. Attractions - Mali Lošinj
The Church of St. Martindates back to 1450, and it is found on todays cemetery, where the history of Lošinj may be read. Priests that once served in this church where glagolitic, and next to their priestly activities they also served as notary publics and assisted the locals with drafting of the wills, agreements etc. The parochial church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and the plaza date back to 1696-1775. The church has three naves; on the altar there are the relics of St. Romuald and the painting of the birth of Virgin Mary. Cikat - church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary (Annunziata). Built in 1534 and enlarged in 1858. On the spot where it was built, sail boats were coming in and leaving Lošinj.
Today, if a ship passing by the cape of Annunziata sounds with a siren as a greeting, it is known that the captain is from Lošinj. Numerous villas of the Austrian aristocracy. Monument to Ambroz Haracic (1885-1916), professor of the maritime school and researcher of the islands flora and fauna. Maritime school "Ambroz Haracic" shaped as a ship with a commanding bridge. Andra Vidas and Katarina Mihicics art collection and the collection of old painters of the Piperat, contains some 20 oil and water-colour paintings of Italian, French and Dutch painters from the 17th and 18th centuries. The church of St. Nicholas from 1857 dedicated to St. Nicholas the bishop patron of sailors and travellers. Monument to Josip Kasman (1847-1925), world-renowned opera singer born in Mali Lošinj. Apoksiomen - sculpture in bronze, representing a Greek athlete in its natural size, around 2000 years old, recently found in Lošinjs submarine.