Biševo – untouched, unspoiled and far from Europe

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View from the stony shores of the Adriatic Sea Mario Topic / Anzenberger

Signs of tourists visiting the island during the summer months Mario Topic / Anzenberger

"Silvestrovo", or New Year's Eve, is the traditional day of celebration when islanders who have emigrated return to Biševo. For one day during winter the island awakens. A large bonfire and a mass in the otherwise abandoned church are the main events that mark the day. Visitors come from surrounding islands, the mainland, and even from abroad. Mario Topic / Anzenberger

In winter most of the seven people who officially reside on the island seek refuge with relatives on the mainland or on more populated neighbouring islands. Mario Topic / Anzenberger

A visitor during the "Silvestrovo" festivities checks his vines. Mario Topic / Anzenberger

A tiny rowing boat is a reminder of summer activities in and around the island. Mario Topic / Anzenberger

Biševo is officially the most remote and least populated spot in Croatia. Mario Topic / Anzenberger

Barba Jere and his wife Ana are the only islanders living on Biševo year round. Fishing and farming allow them to be almost completely independent from the mainland. Mario Topic / Anzenberger

A palm tree in a group of mostly abandoned traditional stone buildings Mario Topic / Anzenberger

Jere's wife Ana prepares octopus for lunch. Mario Topic / Anzenberger

Evening sky over Biševo Mario Topic / Anzenberger

The feast after mass Mario Topic / Anzenberger

There is no real traffic on the island. The few cars, like this old Zastava, an ex-Yugoslav brand, were ferried over and mostly used for farm jobs before they became unregistered wrecks and reminders of the island's past. Mario Topic / Anzenberger

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Originally populated by Benedictine monks, the tiny Adriatic island of Biševo still houses the 11th century Benedictine church of St. Silvester. During its heyday, the island's population numbered 400. Today, there are a mere 7 people with an official island address.

After the Second World War the island became a military zone and foreigners were forbidden to enter. Most of the remaining population then moved to the mainland or even emigrated abroad, notably to the United States.

The decades of forced isolation also had a beneficial effect on the island’s environment. Biševo is pristine, and one of the most bio-diverse areas in Croatia. It is home to the rare Eleonora Falcon and many more endangered and protected species.

(All images by Mario Topic / Anzenberger Agency)