Krapanj

Krapanj is an island of Croatia in the central Dalmatian county of Šibenik-Knin.

Krapanj is one of the smallest inhabited islands of the Adriatic Sea covering 0.36 km2. It is also the most densely inhabited island and has the lowest elevation (1.5 m above sea level). Krapanj is 300 m offshore at its closest point from the mainland town of Brodarica.

Geography

The average altitude is about 2 metres (6 feet 7 inches) and the highest point is 7 metres (23 feet) above sea level. It lies in the Dinaric direction, from north-west to south-east.

Geology

Krapanj is composed of Mesozoic limestone and dolomite.

Climate

The island of Krapanj is situated in the central part of the Croatian littoral and is characterised by a warm, dry Mediterranean climate. According to data from the nearest weather station, in Sibenik, for the period from 1986 to 1996 the average annual temperature was 15.5 °C (60 °F) and the average annual precipitation 711.7 mm (28.02 in).

History

Many of the Adriatic Islands were populated in pre-history by the Illyrians. Krapanj however was first populated by Croatian Toma Jurić, a nobleman from Šibenik and a descendant of the Šubić family from Bribir. Jurić purchased the island in 1436 from the Šibenik County with the intention of building a Franciscan church on the uninhabited island. Realising their father's dream after his death, Jurić's 4 sons completed The Holy Cross Church and monastery in 1523 with blessings from Pope Eugene IV on one condition: only the Friars were to live and inhabit Krapanj.