Ilovik

Infobox Islands
name = Ilovik

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image caption = Port of Ilovik
image size =
locator

native name = Ilovik, Sveti Petar
native name link = Croatian language
nickname = San Piero, Šan Pjero
location = Adriatic sea
coordinates = coord|44|28|N|14|33|E|display=inline,title
archipelago = Cres-Lošinj archipelago
area = convert|5.8|km2|sqmi|abbr=on
length =
width =
coastline = convert|15.4|km|mi|abbr=on
highest mount = Dida
elevation = convert|92|m|ft|abbr=on
country = Croatia
country admin divisions title = County
country admin divisions = Primorje-Gorski
country capital city = Ilovik
country largest city = Ilovik
country largest city population = 100 (as of 2001)
country leader title = Mayor
country leader name = Nevio Jadrošić
population = 100
population as of = 2001
density = 17.24
ethnic groups = Croats 99.9% Other 1%
additional info = license plate registration = RI (Rijeka) (no cars)
motor boat registration = ML (Mali Lošinj)

The islands of Ilovik (Italian "Asinello") and "Sveti Petar" (Italian "San Pietro") are located in Croatia south of the island Lošinj, separated by the strait of Ilovik ( _hr. Ilovačka vrata).

Geography

The only village located on the island of Ilovik is also called Ilovik. The circumference of the island is 15.4 km (9.5 miles), and it occupies an area of 5.8 km² (1,433 acres). The coast is accessible from all sides with many secluded bays. The largest bay with a sandy beach is Paržine, located on the south-eastern part of the island. Paržine is connected to the village by a road, as is the beach Parknu, which includes a World War II bunker. Beaches with easier access from the village include Harbac, Soto Pini and Sidro. Also at Soto Pini is a small soccer field where some intense games take place. The island also has a bocce court.

Ilovik and Sveti Petar are separated by an inlet which is 2.5 km (1.6 miles) long and 300 m (975 ft) wide. The location of the inlet offers a natural barrier from most winds, except partially from the "jugo" (south wind). The convenient location of this harbor makes it a favorite rest stop between the northern and southern parts of the Adriatic. In only a few hours, you can reach Istria, Rijeka, Krk, Rab, Pag, Kornati and other mid-Dalmatian destinations.

In the town you will find a well-stocked store, post office, currency exchange office and several restaurants.

Ilovik is connected daily by ship with Mali Lošinj and several times a week with a catamaran to Rijeka and Zadar. The ferry service is run by the nautical company, Jadrolinija. In the summer months, numerous tour boats from Veli Lošinj and Mali Lošinj make daily stops in Ilovik.

Vegetation

The island is covered with Mediterranean vegetation. Throughout the town you will find oleander in various colors, bougainvillea, palm trees, and two century-old eucalyptus trees. It is because of the abundance of flora that this island has been nicknamed "The Island of Flowers". Olive trees and grape vines still populate the island and are cultivated by inhabitants for personal use. Pine trees are found throughout the island, the most impressive of which are found on the north east side.

History

Due to its geographic location, the harbor between Ilovik and Sveti Petar has been used as a safe anchorage since the ancient times. This also brought the first inhabitants to these islands.

The oldest traces of civilization are from the Ilirian tribe "Liburni". Visitors can also see evidence of the ancient Roman civilization. The remains of Roman buildings, mosaics, coins, a burial sarcophagus as well as an underwater archaeological site have been located in this area.

One of the more fascinating aspects of Ilovik's culture are the burial rites. After church services are held on the main island of Ilovik in the church of Saints Peter and Paul (Sveti Petar i Sveti Pavao), the body is taken by boat to the cemetery, which is located across the water on another small island named Sveti Petar. The walls enclosing the present-day cemetery date back to the 11th century and were part of a Benedictine monastery. Sveti Petar also houses a summer monastery for monks of the Franciscan Order and the remnants of a small castle, which was built in 1600 by the Venetians. The castle was erected by Filippo Pasqualigo to defend the area from pirates ("uskoks"). The first Croats arrived on Ilovik at the end of the 18th century from Veli Losinj. This marked the beginning of the modern- day Ilovik.

The oldest recorded name of this island, "Neumae Insulae"(translated from Latin: Island with No Name), is from AD 1071. In the 13th century it is mentioned as "Sanctus Petrus de Nimbis" (translated from Latin: Saint Peter of the Cloud) and later "San Pietro dei Nembi" (translated from Italian: Saint Peter of the Cloud) . The Croatian inhabitants named the smaller island Sveti Petar (Saint Peter), more known as 'Priko' the larger Tovarnjak ("Donkey" in English), and finally Ilovik i Sveti Petar. Locals call it San Piero.

Population

The island population has been on a steady decline since the early 1960s when the heavily religious community was granted passports by the then extant Yugoslav government. Almost a quarter of the inhabitants left quickly with many crossing to nearby Italy where they were accepted as political refugees. Just under 100 people continue to live year round on the island of Ilovik, while three times that amount live in the United States. For remaining inhabitants their main occupations continue to be fishing, sheep herding, agriculture and more recently tourism. Common family names are Baričević, Belanić, Budinić, Mezić, Raguzin, and Simičić.

People from Ilovik who live in the United States live in the New York City - Long Island/Astoria area. Many others live in New Jersey and Washington State. Each summer the island population will often double or triple in size when these expatriates return home with their families for vacation. People in the New York area have organized a club called the Ilovik Social Club.

Music

Music on the island is an important aspect of life. One of the main modes of entertainment is one or more men playing the accordion. Many times during the nightlife, and at certain places, & events, such as in front of the church, or for Petrova (day of Sts. Peter and Paul) accordionists will gather to entertain the populous. Popular songs include those by Đani Maršan, Mladen Grdović, Tomislav Ivčić (most notable for "Večeraš je Naša Fešta") as well as other traditional songs. Very commonly listeners will begin to dance in accordance with the music, either partnering up, going "over and under", or participating in a "kolo", a form of line or circle dancing.

Ilovik also has it's own traditional song, called "O Sanpjero" -

"Oj Sanpjero, misto moje"Misto moje"Misto moje"Oj Sanpjero, misto moje"Misto moje"Misto moje

"O ljubavi, zavežena"zavežena"zavežena

"O ljubavi, zavežena"zavežena"zavežena

Chorus

"Oj joj joj!"Anđeliću moj"Kad će doći ona ura da ćeš biti moj!"

Inhabitants and descendants of Ilovik are also fond of Croatian Nationalistic music, such as that of Đani Maršan, Mladen Grdović and such. In fact, American rock band Dida(band), of which all members are from Ilovik, have covered Prljavo Kazaliste songs at live concerts.

External links

* [http://www.iloviksocialclub.com/ Ilovik Social Club Home Page]
* [http://www.ilovik.hr/ Port of Ilovik Home Page]