Lookout spot development projects and the construction of a cultural centre and the Faust Vrančić memorial centre, in which replicas of almost all significant inventions of this famous Šibenik-native will be exhibited, should greatly contribute to the popularization of the island of Prvić as a sought-after tourist destination. Along these projects, the reconstruction of derelict olive groves, vineyards and land on which aromatic herbs are grown will also play an important role in the promotion of island tourism as well as in the revitalisation of Prvić towns and the return of a better quality life to rural areas, with the preservation and reconstruction of the original surroundings and traditional heritage.
Prvić lookout spots are connected via paths and perfect bike trails along the entire island, and offer an indescribable delight of staying in nature and the view of the near-by archipelago. These lookout-spots will, along with the already well-known Burtiž, a regatta of traditional boats with Latin-rigs, certainly contribute to the tourist offering of the island.
The Faust Vrančić memorial centre featuring his inventions will also play an important role in the promotion of Prvić. It is located right next to the parochial church where the grave of the great inventor, who often used to reside in his summer-house on the Island of Prvić, is located. The construction of this representative facility is in its final phases.
A representative of the Renaissance, a polymath, writer, lexicographer and inventor, Faust Vrančić lived on the turn from the 16th to the 17th century, and one of his most well-known legacies is the invention of the parachute. Originally envisaged by the genius Leonardo da Vinci, the invention of the parachute failed to attract much attention until 1595, when Vrančić made a sketch of a man jumping off a tower. Though his square parachute is somewhat rough in its form, it has all the basic elements of a parachute: the dome, the bearing threads and the connection system. Some writings suggest the jump actually took place, and the event was referred to 30 years later in a book by the English bishop John Wilkins, secretary of the London Royal Society. Vrančić is also the author of the very first printed Croatian dictionary.
The island of Prvić, covered in Mediterranean macchia, vineyards and olive-groves, with picturesque coves is located in the Šibenik archipelago near Vodice. The island is 2.4 square kilometres in size and has only two inhabited towns, Prvić Luka and Šepurine, with over 400 inhabitants. The name Prvić (“the first one”) derives from the fact that it is the closest to the land, from which it is around 1,000 meters away. It was first mentioned in the 11th century.
Like on other islands in the Šibenik archipelago, here history has also left a deep trace in the form of cultural and historical monuments. Various baroque altars, early Christian fragments with representations of the crucifix, the Church of St. Mary with a convent built by Glagolitic monks and numerous other monuments are testimony to the rich history of this tiny island, which, with its beaches, clean sea and ancient stone houses attracts visitors as an ideal destination for all those seeking a vacation in a true Mediterranean surrounding.
Šibenik-Knin County Tourist Association
www.sibenikregion.com
Town of Vodice Tourist Association
www.vodice.hr