This little town is situated on the
spot where the island of Cres and Lošinj are closest
to each other. It had its period of glory in ancient
times. The canal (Cavata, Kavuada, Cavanella) which had
been cut through enabled passage of ships from sea to
sea. The main transit traffic between Northern Adriatic
and the Dalmatian Coast used to flow through Osor, which
made it an international harbour.
The foundations of the town walls hide traces of ancient
history, dating as far back as the 9th century B.C. The
name of the town, Osor, formerly Apsoros, is said to
be of mythical origin and derive from the name of an
ancient Greek hero, the tragic heroine Medea's brother
Apsyrtus.
The antique town square with beautiful buildings from
the 15h and 16th century, the Town Hall with a loggia
(today the Town Museum), the Bishop's Palace and the
impressive Cathedral with a campanile make up the historical
heart of the town. The whole of the town is an open-air
museum showing its cultural and political history.
There are exhibits ranging from the contemporary sculptures
by Meštrovia to the remains of ancient town walls, forts,
the earliest Early-Christian basilica, as well as remains
of antique villas, Renaissance portals and monasteries,
hidden in the greenery of Osor's parks and gardens.
This ancient town is a museum of history in itself. In
the summer it becomes a unique setting for the Musical
Evenings of Osor and other cultural events. The choice
of accommodation includes well-organized private accommodation
in the town itself, as well as two beach side camping
sites just outside it and few restaurants.
* source (http://www.tz-malilosinj.hr) |