Discover Veli Losinj

Veli Lošinj offers several distinct points of interest to help you plan your trip: defensive and church history, art in historic churches, and the marine life of the Adriatic. There is also Rovenska, a fishing quarter, and the Pod Javori park forest. If you are looking for a hotel, this overview can help you choose a location that suits your interests. Consider whether your trip will focus mainly on historic buildings, marine life, or both.

Tower and local history

At the center of Veli Lošinj stands a 15th-century tower, built as a defensive structure against pirate attacks. It was constructed during Venetian rule and has since been restored. In 2000/01, the Tower Museum-Gallery opened there as part of the Lošinj Museum. Its permanent exhibition covers the history of Veli Lošinj and the southern part of the island of Lošinj from prehistoric times to the present. Maritime and tourism traditions are given particular emphasis. The subject therefore ranges from a single defensive structure to the history of the town and the southern part of the island.

Churches and historic routes

The Church of Our Lady of the Angels in Veli Lošinj dates back to around 1510 and was enlarged in 1730. Its furnishings include an 18th-century marble main altar with two paintings by Francesco Fontebasso. The church’s architecture and art can be placed in their historical context: the information spans its approximate origins, later enlargement, and the more detailed description of the altar. For your trip planning, the church is a specific point of interest if you are interested in historic religious buildings and art.

The Church of St. John on Kalvarija Hill was built in 1755 as a family votive chapel. The historic route leading there is also documented: the Stations of the Cross from Veli Lošinj to the church included three chapels and wooden crosses as stations. The church is thus connected to a documented religious route tradition. The Stations of the Cross are described as a historic route; the three chapels and crosses indicate the sequence of stations at the time.

Dolphins and marine education

The Lošinj Marine Education Centre in Veli Lošinj uses interactive exhibitions and educational content to introduce dolphins and other marine mammals of the Adriatic. If you are interested in marine life, the centre focuses on these animals and how they are presented. The centre also offers the “Adopt a Dolphin” programme, which supports marine conservation and is available in connection with a visit to the centre. Dolphin Day has been celebrated in Veli Lošinj since 1993. The exhibition, educational content, programme, and Dolphin Day each offer a different focus on marine mammals.

Fishing quarter and park forest

Rovenska is the fishing quarter of Veli Lošinj. In the western part of the town, the Pod Javori park forest extends from the spa resort. These local features complement the historic buildings with two other themes: Rovenska is identified as a fishing area, while Pod Javori is a park forest. When choosing where to stay, you can therefore consider whether you are more interested in the history of the churches and tower, maritime themes, or the named woodland landscape.

Discover more destinations: Ćunski, Osor, Vele Srakane, Mali Losinj, Susak, Nerezine, Belej, Unije

For the broader travel overview: Mali Lošinj.