Jezera: Maritime Heritage, Churches and Trails

Jezera brings together a long maritime tradition, churches, traditional crafts, and trails through the landscape. The town is known for a seafaring, fishing, and diving tradition that dates back to the 13th century. This mix can help guide your choice of hotel: would you like to explore the town’s history, spend time outdoors, or combine both?

Churches, Crafts, and Maritime Tradition

The Koledišće local history collection is housed in the Church of St. John of Trogir (Sv. Ivan Trogirski). The parish church of Our Lady of Health (Gospe od Zdravlja), built in 1722, offers another point of reference. Beside it stands a 32-metre-high bell tower, considered the oldest bell tower on the island of Murter. The collection, church, and tower offer different ways to explore Jezera’s history.

Crafts and customs are also part of the cultural heritage. The “Koledišće” folklore society keeps local handicraft traditions alive, including embroidered items and traditional utility and decorative objects. The dance “Jezerski mornarski bal” recalls the farewell to a young sailor before his first voyage. Another maritime tradition is “Jezerska lantina,” a regatta featuring wooden sailboats.

Another historical landmark is Pudarica, a stone structure near Murtar Bay. Local farmers once used it to watch over the surrounding fields. Scientists believe it is possible that Pudarica also served as a watchtower and beacon above the bay in the distant past.

The cultural calendar includes “The Sea Days of Jezera,” a series of events running from mid-July to early September. In addition, many sporting, cultural, entertainment, and traditional events are held in Jezera throughout the year, accompanied by a wide range of food and drink. If a particular event is important to your trip, check the current dates in advance.

Trails, Lakes, and Activities

Numerous paths and trails around Jezera wind through olive groves, pine forests, and maquis, making them suitable for hiking and cycling. Organised Nordic walking is also available. A developed section of a cycling route that crosses Murter Island runs through the Jezera area. This gives you a choice between trails through different landscapes and an organised walking activity.

Two large bodies of water southeast of the town are known as the Jezera Lakes. Petrov vrt, a sports and themed park, is located in the centre. It has a communal area and public toilets, as well as tennis, basketball, football, and futsal courts. There is also an outdoor street-workout area. The trails outside the centre and the sports facilities grouped in town offer different ways to plan your time in Jezera.

Dishes and Local Products

Traditional Jezera dishes include Zelenjak cake made with Swiss chard, apples, and walnuts, as well as Prispalji, a yeast-dough dessert. Other local dishes include a stew of dried hake with potatoes and dried octopus with eggs. Their varied ingredients and preparation methods give the local cuisine several distinct facets.

Local olive oil is made from olives hand-picked by residents in the area around the town. Along with traditional dishes, it is a distinctive part of Jezera that you can consider when choosing your destination, alongside cultural heritage and outdoor activities.

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