The lighthouse Vir
Sailing is an urge, they said. The calm sea never gave a good captain, they say as well. The fight with Poseidon would be much more difficult without the rays of light suggesting a solid ground in the distance. The nineteenth century is extremely important for the sailors, because of many lighthouses which were built along the Adriatic coast. The Austrian monarchy was responsible for the light from the shore, leading the fathers and the children to the safe harbor. Thus, moonless nights (and without GPS!) size to trap thousands sailors of all nationalities and religions, who sailed into our seas. Therefore it is not surprising that a lighthouse has suddenly become a synonym for life, romance and peace. The lighthouses on protruding rocks were inhabited by families who resided here throughout the year. Nautical tourism, has brought them closer to the mainland; there is a rule that if you navigate to the lighthouse, you have to bring the bread, newspapers and tobacco to the lighthouse keeper, as a sign of respect for his lonely job. However, if you knock on the door of the lighthouse at the present time, the answer will be just a blip, or the door will be opened by a tourist, who have rented the lighthouse, rather than an apartment and he/she does not want to be disturbed. Croatia has 48 lighthouses, most of which are now vacant or rented as tourist accommodation. The automation has left lighthouse keepers jobless, although it is more a lifestyle than a job. The maritime lighthouse in Vir was built in 1881 and is one of abandoned automated lighthouses. The road leading to it is passable, but poorly maintained. This part of the island is less populated, and the surrounding waters are known for luxurious catches of fish and shellfish. Next to the lighthouse there is a 11 meters high tower. It is interesting that this lighthouse was the basis of anti-fascists during World War II, who maintained hence the connection between the guerrilla forces of the land and those from the island of Molat. The lighthouse was destroyed by the Germans in 1944, but restored later, to ignite the light of love, peace and freedom.
