Osor, Ancient settlement in Mali Lošinj, Croatia.
Osor is an ancient settlement positioned at the junction between Cres and Losinj islands, separated by a navigable canal crossed by a movable bridge. This bridge opens to allow boat passage through the waterway connecting the two islands.
The settlement traces its origins back more than 4000 years and served as a significant maritime hub with defensive structures built across multiple periods. It later became an important religious center that influenced the region's spiritual life.
The settlement functions as an open-air museum where stone buildings and streets blend architectural elements from Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance times. Residents and visitors encounter these layered structures simply by walking through the village.
The movable bridge operates twice daily to allow maritime passage between the islands, so travelers should plan any crossings around these openings. Those arriving by foot or car can pass at other times without waiting for the bridge to operate.
Archaeological evidence shows that during the 9th century this location served as a significant episcopal center with a cathedral and multiple churches. Remains of these religious buildings still scatter across the landscape today, offering traces of its former spiritual importance.
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