Considering the lush forests and azure waters before you, could this be the mythical island of Melita? Welcome to Mljet. Mljet is the southernmost and easternmost of the larger Adriatic islands of the Dalmatia region of Croatia. This island whispers tales of ancient mariners and Benedictine monks. Mljet is an island steeped in history and natural beauty.
The island’s story begins in antiquity. Ancient Greco-Roman geographers first documented Mljet. They called it Melite, meaning “honey”. Over centuries, this name evolved into the Slavic name, Mljet. Some even believe Mljet is the island where Saint Paul was shipwrecked. The Acts of the Apostles mention a shipwreck on an island called Melita. Traditionally, Malta is considered the site. But Mljet also lays claim to this event.
In 1151, Benedictine monks from Pulsano in Apulia arrived. They established a monastery on a small island in Veliko Jezero, the Big Lake. Desa, Grand Prince of Serbia, supported them. He built the Church and Monastery of Saint Mary between 1187 and 1198. Pope Innocent III consecrated the church in 1198. For centuries, the Benedictine monastery served as a vital religious and cultural center. It became the heart of the Mljet Congregation. This congregation united Benedictine monasteries in the Republic of Ragusa.
Mavro Vetranović, the abbot of Mljet and a renowned poet, was the congregation’s first president. Ignjat Đurđević, another famous poet, also served as abbot here in the 18th century. However, the monastery’s importance gradually declined. In 1345, the Benedictines gave up their rule over Mljet. They retained only a third of the land. In 1410, the Republic of Ragusa formally annexed the island. The municipality paid the Benedictines 300 perperas each year.
Mljet faced many challenges over the centuries. In 1809, Napoleon disbanded the monastery. Later, Austria used the building for its forestry office. Between the world wars, the Diocese of Ragusa owned it. In 1960, it became a hotel. Finally, in 1998, it was returned to the Diocese.
The island’s ecosystem also suffered some setbacks. Monks dug a channel from the Big Lake to the south coast. This turned freshwater lakes into seawater ones. In the early 20th century, small Indian mongooses were introduced to control the viper population. While successful against snakes, they decimated the island’s birdlife.
Today, Mljet National Park protects the island’s western part. Established in 1960, it is the oldest marine protected area in the Mediterranean. The park encompasses almost 5300 hectares. This includes a marine area extending 500 meters from the coast, islands, and cliffs. The park’s most famous features are Malo Jezero and Veliko Jezero, the Small Lake and Great Lake. These deep bays filled with seawater are important geological and oceanographical phenomena.
Mljet is more than just a pretty island. It is a testament to the enduring power of nature. Mljet showcases the rich tapestry of human history. As you explore Mljet, remember its past. Consider the monks, the poets, and the natural wonders that have shaped this unique island.