Why is Kosljun (Košljun) a must-see when staying on the island of Krk? This unique islet of Kosljun is a true nature reserve of various plants and represents a real cultural pearl of Kvarner with its 4 museums and church. Take a stroll on this beautiful islet and breathe in the essential oils of laurel and over 400 other Mediterranean plants and 100 species of mushrooms which grow here.

The islet of Kosljun is small, only 300 meters in diameter with a surface of 6.5 hectares. Its only inhabitants are the Franciscan monks who live in the monastery and maintain the spirituality of this holy place. The islet has no beaches, swimming is not allowed and the guests are required to be decently dressed.

The Franciscans keep a library with over 30,000 books, 100 of which are incunabula. Some of the books are as old as the monastery. Furthermore, the crown jewel of the library is the first edition of the Latin translation of the Ptolemy’s atlas from Venice 1511 (one of only three copies left in the world). Also, there is the Strabo’s atlas printed in Basel in 1571. The monastery has a rich document archive. The music collection holds valuable unique neumatic records from the 11^th century as well as illuminated corals.

Other buildings on the islet are the Church of Annunciation which is over 1,000 years old and the Church of St. Bernardino which is even older.

The islet of Košljun was inhabited in ancient times when a fortified summer residence was built on it. Its name comes from the ancient word: castellum – Košljun. After the Benedictine monks, the Franciscans arrived on the islet in 1447. Thanks to the donation of Ivan Frankopan and his daughter Marija Katarina, people rebuilt and expanded the Benedictine church. The church contains many valuable works of art.

The Cloister in its present form was completed in the 16^th and 17^th century. Small chapels hidden in the fragrant forest add a special charm to Košljun.

Kosljun at a glance

4 museums

We recommend a visit to the archeological collection, sacral collection, ethnographic collection and the newest natural history collection on the islet of Košljun.

Museum working hours:

01.04.-31.10. : Monday – Saturday: 9,30 -17,00; Sundays: 10,30 – 12,30

Tickets: Adults – 20 HRK, Children – 10 HRK

Things to see and experience

• Tour the church, especially its wooden ceiling and the altar painting
• See the tombstone of Katarina Frankopan
• Make beautiful photographs in the monastery’s cloister by the cistern or in the harbor by the statue of St. Francis and the wolf
• Stroll around the islet, breathe deeply the essential oils of Mediterranean plants
• Contemplate and enjoy the small chapels
• Become inebriated by the peace and experience a spiritual renewal