In the heart of the historic center of Vis, visitors can explore Batarija – the most important and best-preserved fortification from the 19th century on the island. This Austrian defensive fortress played a crucial role in the Battle of Vis in 1866 and is now recognizable for its massive stone walls, defensive moat, and impressively well-preserved appearance. A short educational trail about the Battle of Vis, the most significant naval battle in the Adriatic, has been set up.
A particularly attractive part of the tour is the Underwater Archaeology Collection – a collection of amphorae recovered from Vela Svitnja bay, the site of one of the largest ancient shipwrecks in the Adriatic, which testifies to the intensive maritime and trade connections of ancient Issa from before the Common Era. This exhibition offers a unique insight into the maritime, economic, and everyday history of Vis.
Visiting Batarija and its collection is recommended to all who wish to experience the living history of the island and discover the fascinating stories hidden in Vis’s fortresses, underwater world, and its people.
Opening Hours
Every day except Saturday:
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM